CVE-2023-3051 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE relates to a vulnerability in the Page Builder by AZEXO plugin for WordPress, impacting versions up to and including 1.27.133. The vulnerability allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'azh_post' shortcode due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping.

Understanding CVE-2023-3051

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-3051, explaining the vulnerability and its potential impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-3051?

CVE-2023-3051 is a vulnerability in the Page Builder by AZEXO plugin for WordPress that allows contributor-level attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts using the 'azh_post' shortcode. This script injection can execute whenever a user accesses a page with the injected script.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3051

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can lead to unauthorized script execution, compromising the security and integrity of the WordPress website using the affected plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3051

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-3051, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Page Builder by AZEXO plugin is categorized as CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting'). It stems from the lack of proper input sanitization and output escaping in the 'azh_post' shortcode.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the Page Builder with Image Map by AZEXO plugin up to and including 1.27.133. Websites using these versions are at risk of exploitation by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the vulnerability in the 'azh_post' shortcode, contributor-level attackers can insert malicious web scripts that will execute when users access the compromised pages, potentially leading to further security breaches.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2023-3051, immediate steps should be taken to mitigate the risk and prevent unauthorized access through the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the Page Builder with Image Map by AZEXO plugin to a secure version beyond 1.27.133. Additionally, thorough security audits and monitoring can help detect and mitigate any unauthorized script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict input validation, output escaping, and regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Educating users on safe browsing practices can also reduce the likelihood of successful exploits.

Patching and Updates

Staying current with plugin updates and security patches is crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress environment. Promptly applying patches released by plugin developers can address known vulnerabilities and improve overall security posture.