CVE-2023-40681 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WordPress Groundhogg Plugin <= 2.7.11.10 is vulnerable to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS).

Understanding CVE-2023-40681

This CVE-2023-40681 involves an Authenticated (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the Groundhogg Inc. Groundhogg plugin version 2.7.11.10 and prior.

What is CVE-2023-40681?

The CVE-2023-40681 vulnerability is a Stored XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) issue, also known as CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, that allows attackers with admin or higher privileges to inject malicious scripts into vulnerable web pages.

The Impact of CVE-2023-40681

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity with a CVSS base score of 5.9. It could lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and potential compromise of user information.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-40681

This section provides specific technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the affected site.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerable version is Groundhogg Inc. Groundhogg plugin version 2.7.11.10 and below.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with admin or higher privileges can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts through authenticated actions on the affected plugin.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2023-40681, follow these guidelines:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Groundhogg plugin to version 2.7.11.11 or a higher version to address the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and apply security patches provided by the plugin vendor.
Implement least privilege access controls to limit the impact of potential security breaches.

Patching and Updates

Always stay informed about security updates and apply them promptly to protect your system from known vulnerabilities.