CVE-2023-3501 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE, assigned by WPScan, pertains to a vulnerability in the FormCraft WordPress plugin prior to version 1.2.7, which can lead to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-3501

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-3501, shedding light on what it entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-3501?

CVE-2023-3501 is a vulnerability found in the FormCraft WordPress plugin versions earlier than 1.2.7. It arises due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of certain settings within the plugin, enabling high-privilege users like admins to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. This risk exists even when the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed, such as in a multisite setup.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3501

The vulnerability in FormCraft plugin can allow malicious actors with admin privileges to inject and execute malicious scripts within the plugin settings, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and data theft on affected websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3501

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-3501, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The root of CVE-2023-3501 lies in the FormCraft WordPress plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape certain settings, giving attackers the ability to insert harmful scripts into the plugin's configurations.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts FormCraft plugin versions prior to 1.2.7 that have not implemented adequate sanitization measures. Websites using affected versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-3501 involves leveraging the lack of input validation in the FormCraft plugin to inject malicious scripts into the stored settings, which can then be executed within the context of a privileged user.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against the risks posed by CVE-2023-3501, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to update the FormCraft plugin to version 1.2.7 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, restrict access to high privilege accounts and regularly monitor for unauthorized changes in plugin settings.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining good security hygiene by keeping plugins updated, implementing least privilege principles, and conducting regular security audits can help prevent such vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Users of the FormCraft WordPress plugin should prioritize installing security patches and updates provided by the plugin developer to ensure ongoing protection against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-3501.