CVE-2023-28785 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-28785 pertains to a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the WordPress Yoast SEO: Local Plugin version 14.9 and below. This vulnerability was discovered by Rafie Muhammad from Patchstack.

Understanding CVE-2023-28785

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2023-28785 vulnerability found in the WordPress Yoast SEO: Local Plugin.

What is CVE-2023-28785?

The CVE-2023-28785 vulnerability is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw present in the Yoast Yoast SEO: Local plugin versions 14.9 and earlier. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28785

The impact of this vulnerability, also known as CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, is rated as medium severity, with a base score of 6.5 according to the CVSS v3.1 metrics. It could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potential manipulation of content on affected websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28785

This section will provide more in-depth technical insights into the CVE-2023-28785 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically related to 'Cross-site Scripting' (CWE-79).

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the Yoast Yoast SEO: Local plugin, specifically versions 14.9 and below.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to inject and store malicious scripts in the plugin, which can then be triggered when a user interacts with the affected elements.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-28785, immediate steps need to be taken to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Yoast Yoast SEO: Local plugin to version 15.0 or higher to patch the vulnerability and eliminate the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

It is crucial to follow best security practices, including regular security audits, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough code reviews to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating plugins, themes, and the WordPress core is essential to ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched promptly and the overall security posture of the website remains robust.