CVE-2023-4423 : Security Advisory and Response

In this article, you will find detailed information about CVE-2023-4423, a vulnerability affecting the WP Event Manager plugin for WordPress.

Understanding CVE-2023-4423

This section delves into the key aspects of CVE-2023-4423, shedding light on the nature and impact of this vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-4423?

CVE-2023-4423 refers to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability present in the WP Event Manager plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 3.1.37.1 of the plugin. It stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping in the plugin's admin settings. This flaw enables authenticated attackers with administrator-level permissions or higher to inject malicious web scripts into pages. Consequently, these scripts execute whenever a user accesses the affected pages. It's essential to note that this vulnerability impacts multi-site installations and instances where unfiltered_html has been disabled.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4423

With a CVSS base score of 4.4 (Medium severity), CVE-2023-4423 poses a notable risk to affected systems. The Stored Cross-Site Scripting exploit can be leveraged by attackers with certain privileges to inject harmful scripts into web pages. This could lead to various security threats, such as data theft, unauthorized actions, and potential compromise of user accounts.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4423

This section provides a deeper insight into the technical specifics of the CVE-2023-4423 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the WP Event Manager plugin arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in its admin settings. This allows attackers with specific permissions to inject malicious web scripts, leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The WP Event Manager plugin versions up to and including 3.1.37.1 are affected by CVE-2023-4423. Specifically, this vulnerability impacts multi-site installations and instances where unfiltered_html has been disabled.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with administrator-level permissions or above can exploit this vulnerability by injecting arbitrary web scripts in pages. When a user accesses a compromised page, these injected scripts execute, potentially causing harm.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-4423 and enhance the security of affected systems, certain mitigation and prevention measures should be promptly implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the WP Event Manager plugin to a version beyond 3.1.37.1 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Consider restricting admin-level permissions to minimize the impact of potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and enhance input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms in plugins and applications.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the WP Event Manager plugin developers. Timely implementation of patches can help prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

By following these mitigation strategies and best practices, users can fortify their systems against the risks posed by CVE-2023-4423.