CVE-2023-4290 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information on CVE-2023-4290, a security vulnerability identified in the WP Matterport Shortcode WordPress plugin before version 2.1.7.

Understanding CVE-2023-4290

This section will delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-4290, highlighting its nature, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-4290?

CVE-2023-4290, also known as WP Matterport Shortcode < 2.1.7 - Reflected XSS, is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the WP Matterport Shortcode WordPress plugin versions below 2.1.7. This vulnerability arises due to the plugin's failure to properly escape the PHP_SELF server variable when including it in attributes, potentially leading to XSS attacks that can target privileged users like administrators.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4290

The exploitation of CVE-2023-4290 could result in attackers injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by privileged users. This could lead to various consequences, such as unauthorized access, data theft, and manipulation of content, posing a significant security risk to affected websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4290

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-4290, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in WP Matterport Shortcode plugin versions prior to 2.1.7 originates from the lack of proper sanitization mechanisms for the PHP_SELF server variable. This oversight allows attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts in the context of privileged users.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is WP Matterport Shortcode with versions less than 2.1.7. Users utilizing versions prior to 2.1.7 are at risk of exploitation through this XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the PHP_SELF server variable within attributes, threat actors can craft malicious payloads that, when executed, trigger XSS attacks. These attacks can then be used to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, or perform unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-4290 necessitates a proactive approach to secure systems and prevent exploitation. Here are some key steps to address and mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the WP Matterport Shortcode plugin to version 2.1.7 or higher to patch the vulnerability and prevent potential XSS attacks.
Monitor web applications for any signs of unusual behavior or unauthorized access, which could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to sanitize user inputs, validate data, and escape output to prevent XSS vulnerabilities in plugins and web applications.
Regularly conduct security audits, code reviews, and penetration testing to identify and resolve security flaws proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by plugin developers, and ensure timely deployment of these updates to keep your WordPress installations secure against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-4290.