CVE-2023-41729 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

WordPress SendPress Newsletters Plugin <= 1.22.3.31 is vulnerable to Cross Site Scripting (XSS).

Understanding CVE-2023-41729

This CVE identifies a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the SendPress Newsletters plugin version 1.22.3.31 affecting WordPress websites.

What is CVE-2023-41729?

The CVE-2023-41729 vulnerability refers to an authorization-based Stored XSS issue in the SendPress Newsletters plugin with versions equal to or less than 1.22.3.31. This vulnerability can allow attackers with admin or higher privileges to inject malicious scripts into the website, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2023-41729

The impact of CVE-2023-41729 is classified as a Stored XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) vulnerability (CAPEC-592), with a CVSS base score of 5.9 (Medium severity). Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could execute arbitrary scripts within the context of the target site, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data theft, or other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-41729

The vulnerability is categorized as CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation - Cross-site Scripting) and has been discovered externally. The CVSS v3.1 score indicates a Low attack complexity, Network attack vector, High privileges required, and user interaction being required for successful exploitation.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows admin or higher privileged users to store and execute malicious scripts in the SendPress Newsletters plugin versions less than or equal to 1.22.3.31, posing a risk of unauthorized code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

SendPress Newsletters plugin versions up to 1.22.3.31 installed on WordPress platforms are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with admin or higher privileges can exploit this vulnerability by injecting crafted scripts through specific parameters, leading to successful execution within the application context.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-41729, immediate action and follow-up security measures are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the SendPress Newsletters plugin to a secure version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Monitor website activity for any signs of unauthorized script execution or suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core to avoid known vulnerabilities.
Implement least privilege access control to restrict user privileges and reduce attack surface.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates for all installed plugins and software to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.