CVE-2023-28169 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-28169 involves a vulnerability in the Easy Event calendar plugin for WordPress versions up to 1.0, developed by CoreFortress. The vulnerability allows for Authenticated (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, potentially compromising the security of affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2023-28169

This section delves deeper into the specifics of CVE-2023-28169, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-28169?

CVE-2023-28169 denotes an Authenticated (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the CoreFortress Easy Event calendar plugin up to version 1.0. This type of vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with admin or higher privileges to inject malicious scripts into the plugin, leading to potential attacks on users who interact with the affected elements.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28169

The impact of this vulnerability, as classified under CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, is considered moderate. Attackers can potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts within the context of the affected application, leading to various security risks, including data theft, unauthorized access, and further compromise of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28169

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-28169, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in question allows for Authenticated (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks in CoreFortress Easy Event calendar plugin versions up to 1.0. This could enable threat actors to inject and execute malicious scripts, potentially leading to unauthorized actions within the application.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts the CoreFortress Easy Event calendar plugin with versions up to 1.0. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of falling victim to the Authenticated Stored XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker with admin or higher privileges would need to inject malicious scripts into the affected Easy Event calendar plugin. This could be achieved through specific user interactions or configurations, allowing the attacker to execute harmful actions within the application environment.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on the steps that organizations and users can take to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-28169 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should refrain from interacting with suspicious links or content within the Easy Event calendar plugin.
Administrators are advised to update the plugin to a secure version that addresses the vulnerability.
Implementing access controls and user permissions can help limit the impact of potential XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security assessments and audits can help identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Employee training on recognizing and reporting suspicious activities can enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

CoreFortress should release a patch or update that addresses the Authenticated Stored XSS vulnerability in the Easy Event calendar plugin. Users are encouraged to promptly apply the patch to safeguard their systems from potential exploitation.