CVE-2023-3510 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-3510, a vulnerability identified in the FTP Access plugin version 1.0 or lower for WordPress.

Understanding CVE-2023-3510

CVE-2023-3510 is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the FTP Access WordPress plugin version 1.0 or lower. This security flaw allows authenticated users, such as subscribers, to update settings with malicious XSS payloads. The XSS payloads are then triggered when an admin views the plugin settings, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data exposure. Additionally, this vulnerability can also be exploited through Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks against authenticated users.

What is CVE-2023-3510?

The FTP Access WordPress plugin version 1.0 or lower is susceptible to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability due to the lack of proper authorization, CSRF checks, sanitization, and escaping mechanisms in its settings update functionality. This flaw enables authenticated users to inject malicious scripts that can be executed when viewed by an admin, compromising the security and integrity of the WordPress site.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3510

The impact of CVE-2023-3510 includes the potential for unauthorized users to execute malicious scripts, steal sensitive information, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to the security of WordPress sites using the affected FTP Access plugin version 1.0 or lower.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3510

The following technical details outline the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism related to CVE-2023-3510:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the FTP Access WordPress plugin version 1.0 or lower stems from the lack of proper authorization, CSRF checks, sanitization, and escaping mechanisms in its settings update feature. This oversight allows authenticated users, such as subscribers, to insert malicious XSS payloads that can be triggered when an admin accesses the plugin settings.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the FTP Access plugin version 1.0 or lower. Users operating WordPress sites with this particular plugin version are at risk of exploitation by malicious actors leveraging stored XSS attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated users, particularly subscribers, can exploit this vulnerability by updating the plugin settings with crafted XSS payloads. When an admin accesses the plugin settings, the malicious scripts get executed, enabling attackers to execute unauthorized actions or compromise sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-3510, it is crucial to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices to enhance the overall protection of WordPress sites.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the vulnerable FTP Access plugin version 1.0 or lower from your WordPress site.
Regularly monitor and review user permissions to prevent unauthorized access.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or executing unknown scripts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated to the latest versions.
Implement a web application firewall to defend against XSS and CSRF attacks.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing regularly to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that you install any security patches or updates released by the plugin developer to address the CVE-2023-3510 vulnerability. Stay informed about security advisories and best practices for securing your WordPress environment.