CVE-2023-28420 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-28420 was assigned by Patchstack and published on November 12, 2023. The vulnerability affects the Custom Options Plus plugin in versions up to 1.8.1, developed by Leo Caseiro. The issue is related to a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2023-28420

This section dives into the details of CVE-2023-28420, shedding light on the vulnerability, its impacts, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-28420?

The CVE-2023-28420 pertains to a CSRF vulnerability found in the WordPress Custom Options Plus plugin versions up to 1.8.1. This type of vulnerability could allow attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the user without their consent, potentially leading to various security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28420

The impact of this vulnerability is classified as "Medium" with a CVSS base score of 5.4. With a low attack complexity and required user interaction, the integrity impact is low, and the availability impact is also deemed low. However, if exploited, it could result in Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28420

In this section, we delve into the specific technical aspects of CVE-2023-28420, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in question is a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) flaw impacting the Leo Caseiro Custom Options Plus plugin versions up to 1.8.1. This allows malicious actors to forge requests that execute unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Custom Options Plus plugin versions up to 1.8.1 developed by Leo Caseiro are susceptible to this CSRF vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation if the necessary precautions are not taken.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves crafting malicious requests that trick authenticated users into unknowingly executing unauthorized actions. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can manipulate user sessions to perform actions without their explicit consent.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-28420 and prevent potential exploitation, certain steps can be taken to enhance the security posture of the affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should consider updating the Custom Options Plus plugin to a secure version that addresses the CSRF vulnerability. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security plugins can add an extra layer of protection against CSRF attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

It is recommended to follow secure coding practices, conduct regular security assessments, and stay informed about security updates and patches for the installed plugins and software. Educating users about CSRF attacks and promoting safe browsing habits can also contribute to overall security resilience.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring that the Leo Caseiro Custom Options Plus plugin is regularly updated to the latest secure version is crucial for mitigating CSRF vulnerabilities. Promptly applying security patches released by the plugin developer can help prevent potential exploitation and enhance the overall security posture of WordPress websites.