CVE-2023-28791 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability has been identified in the Gangesh Matta Simple Org Chart plugin version 2.3.4 and below, impacting users of the WordPress platform.

Understanding CVE-2023-28791

This CVE highlights a security issue in the Simple Org Chart plugin for WordPress, which could be exploited by attackers for malicious activities.

What is CVE-2023-28791?

CVE-2023-28791 refers to a specific vulnerability known as Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in the Gangesh Matta Simple Org Chart plugin version 2.3.4 and earlier. This vulnerability could allow attackers to manipulate user actions without their consent.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28791

The impact of CVE-2023-28791 is categorized as a Medium severity issue with a CVSS base score of 4.3. This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of an authenticated user, potentially resulting in data manipulation or other harmful activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28791

The vulnerability description pertains to a CSRF flaw in the Simple Org Chart plugin by Gangesh Matta, affecting versions up to 2.3.4. The vulnerability allows attackers to forge malicious requests on behalf of an authenticated user.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Gangesh Matta Simple Org Chart plugin version 2.3.4 and below enables malicious actors to exploit Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems using the Simple Org Chart plugin for WordPress with versions up to 2.3.4 are vulnerable to the CSRF exploit identified in CVE-2023-28791.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can utilize the CSRF vulnerability present in the Simple Org Chart plugin to trick authenticated users into unknowingly executing malicious actions on the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial for users to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-28791 and adopt long-term security practices to safeguard their systems from CSRF attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Gangesh Matta Simple Org Chart plugin to a secure version beyond 2.3.4, where the CSRF vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, implementing CSRF protection mechanisms can help prevent such attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining regular security updates, monitoring for unusual activities, and conducting security audits can enhance the overall security posture of WordPress websites and plugins to mitigate CSRF vulnerabilities effectively.

Patching and Updates

Users should prioritize updating the Simple Org Chart plugin to a secure version that patches the CSRF vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation by threat actors. Regularly checking for plugin updates and applying patches promptly is essential for maintaining a secure WordPress environment.