CVE-2023-3721 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in the WP-EMail WordPress plugin before version 2.69.1, allowing high privilege users such as admins to conduct Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, even in scenarios where unfiltered_html capability is disallowed.

Understanding CVE-2023-3721

The vulnerability identified in the WP-EMail plugin involves a failure to properly sanitize and escape certain settings, enabling attackers with elevated permissions to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2023-3721?

CVE-2023-3721 refers to a security flaw in the WP-EMail WordPress plugin that exposes websites to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, permitting malicious users to inject and execute script code on vulnerable web pages.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3721

The impact of CVE-2023-3721 can be significant as it enables attackers to compromise the security of websites that have the WP-EMail plugin installed. This can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3721

The following technical aspects outline the specifics of the CVE-2023-3721 vulnerability in the WP-EMail plugin:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the plugin's failure to adequately sanitize and escape certain settings, creating an opportunity for high privilege users to exploit Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Unknown
Product: WP-EMail
Versions Affected: Versions below 2.69.1
Custom version "0" less than version 2.69.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with admin privileges or high user permissions can utilize the vulnerability in the WP-EMail plugin to inject malicious scripts into web pages, leading to the execution of harmful actions on the affected site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the risks associated with CVE-2023-3721, the following steps should be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the WP-EMail plugin to version 2.69.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement security measures to restrict access and permissions for users, limiting the potential impact of Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all plugins, themes, and WordPress core to address known security vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and remediate potential weaknesses in website configurations.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates released by plugin developers and WordPress community to apply patches and fixes promptly, enhancing the overall security posture of the website.