CVE-2023-28774 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE, assigned by Patchstack, details a vulnerable version of the Review Stream plugin by Grade Us, Inc. in WordPress that is susceptible to a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack.

Understanding CVE-2023-28774

This CVE focuses on a specific vulnerability present in the Review Stream plugin that allows for an Authenticated (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack.

What is CVE-2023-28774?

CVE-2023-28774 refers to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the Review Stream plugin by Grade Us, Inc., specifically affecting versions equal to or less than 1.6.5.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28774

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity with a CVSS base score of 5.9. It allows attackers with admin privileges to execute malicious scripts, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28774

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability, its affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Review Stream plugin allows for an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts within the application.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Review Stream plugin versions less than or equal to 1.6.5, leaving WordPress instances with this plugin installed at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs admin-level access to the application. By manipulating inputs, the attacker can inject harmful scripts that will be executed when accessed by other users, leading to unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your system from CVE-2023-28774 requires immediate action and ongoing security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Review Stream plugin to a version beyond 1.6.5 to mitigate the XSS vulnerability.
Monitor user inputs and sanitize data to prevent unauthorized script injections.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to minimize the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update WordPress plugins and themes to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement web application firewalls to filter and block malicious traffic.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential risks proactively.

Patching and Updates

Keeping your WordPress plugins, including Review Stream, up to date is crucial in maintaining a secure website. Check for updates regularly and apply patches as soon as they become available to address security vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-28774.