CVE-2023-3248 : Security Advisory and Response

In this article, we will delve into the details of CVE-2023-3248, a vulnerability identified in the All-in-one Floating Contact Form WordPress plugin version prior to 2.1.2. This vulnerability allows high privilege users, such as administrators, to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, even when certain capabilities are restricted.

Understanding CVE-2023-3248

The All-in-one Floating Contact Form plugin has a security flaw that enables admins to carry out XSS attacks, bypassing restrictions like the unfiltered_html capability, particularly in a multisite environment.

What is CVE-2023-3248?

CVE-2023-3248 is a vulnerability found in the All-in-one Floating Contact Form plugin for WordPress versions prior to 2.1.2. It arises from the lack of proper sanitization and escaping of certain settings, allowing admin-level users to exploit stored XSS.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3248

This vulnerability can have severe consequences as it enables attackers with higher privileges to inject malicious scripts into the website, potentially leading to data theft, defacement, or further compromise of the affected WordPress installation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3248

The following points outline the technical aspects of CVE-2023-3248:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the All-in-one Floating Contact Form plugin arises from inadequate sanitization and escaping of settings, paving the way for stored XSS attacks by privileged users.

Affected Systems and Versions

The All-in-one Floating Contact Form plugin versions prior to 2.1.2 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users utilizing versions below this are urged to upgrade to the latest secure version to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

High privilege users, particularly administrators, can leverage this vulnerability to inject harmful scripts, posing a threat to the integrity and security of the WordPress site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your WordPress site against CVE-2023-3248, consider the following steps for mitigation and prevention:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the All-in-one Floating Contact Form plugin to version 2.1.2 or higher to eliminate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for suspicious activities and unauthorized changes within the WordPress environment.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices and review third-party plugins for vulnerabilities before installation.
Educate users on best practices to prevent social engineering attacks and unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by plugin developers. Promptly apply these patches to maintain a secure WordPress ecosystem and prevent potential exploits.