CVE-2023-32118 : Security Advisory and Response

WordPress SALERT Plugin <= 1.2.1 is vulnerable to Cross Site Scripting (XSS)

Understanding CVE-2023-32118

This CVE-2023-32118 involves an Unauthenticated Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the

WPoperation SALERT – Fake Sales Notification WooCommerce

plugin versions up to 1.2.1.

What is CVE-2023-32118?

The CVE-2023-32118 refers to a security issue in the WordPress SALERT plugin where attackers can execute malicious scripts on a victim’s browser by tricking them into clicking a crafted link, potentially leading to information theft or unauthorized actions.

The Impact of CVE-2023-32118

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as High severity according to the CVSS v3.1 scoring system. The attacker, with no special privileges, can exploit this vulnerability over the network, resulting in a compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-32118

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting'). It has a base score of 7.1 (High) according to the CVSS v3.1 system and falls under the CAPEC-591 category of Reflected XSS attacks.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for Unauthenticated Reflected Cross-Site Scripting in the affected plugin version 1.2.1 and below, potentially leading to unauthorized script execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the

WPoperation SALERT – Fake Sales Notification WooCommerce

plugin with versions less than or equal to 1.2.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious link and tricking users into clicking it, leading to the execution of unauthorized scripts in the victim's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-32118, immediate actions need to be taken to secure the affected systems and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the plugin to version 1.2.2 or higher to address this vulnerability and prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing regular security updates, monitoring for potential threats, and educating users on safe browsing practices can help prevent XSS and other security vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly installing patches and updates for all software components, including plugins and themes, is essential to maintaining a secure WordPress environment.