CVE-2023-3186 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-3186, focusing on the vulnerability identified in the Supsystic Popup WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-3186

CVE-2023-3186 relates to a security issue in the Supsystic Popup WordPress plugin prior to version 1.10.19, which pertains to Prototype Pollution.

What is CVE-2023-3186?

The vulnerability in the Popup by Supsystic plugin allows attackers to inject arbitrary properties into Object.prototype, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of data within the application.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3186

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in malicious actors executing arbitrary code, escalating privileges, or compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3186

The following technical aspects shed light on the specifics of CVE-2023-3186:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper control over the modification of object prototype attributes, known as 'Prototype Pollution'. This allows threat actors to manipulate the behavior of objects and potentially compromise the security of the WordPress plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Popup by Supsystic plugin versions prior to 1.10.19 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users utilizing versions earlier than the stated release are susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By injecting malicious properties into Object.prototype, attackers can potentially bypass security mechanisms, execute arbitrary code, or carry out other nefarious activities within the affected WordPress plugin.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the risks associated with CVE-2023-3186, the following steps should be followed:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or Uninstall: Consider disabling or uninstalling the Popup by Supsystic plugin if you are using a version prior to 1.10.19 to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Monitor for Suspicious Activities: Keep an eye out for any unusual behavior on your website that could indicate a security breach.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular Updates: Ensure that all plugins, themes, and WordPress core are regularly updated to patch vulnerabilities and enhance security.
Security Audits: Conduct routine security audits to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Upgrade to Version 1.10.19: Update the Popup by Supsystic plugin to version 1.10.19 or later to eliminate the Prototype Pollution vulnerability and enhance the security posture of your WordPress website.