CVE-2023-45756 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WordPress ApplyOnline – Application Form Builder and Manager Plugin <= 2.5.2 is vulnerable to Cross Site Scripting (XSS)

Understanding CVE-2023-45756

This CVE-2023-45756 affects WordPress ApplyOnline – Application Form Builder and Manager Plugin versions equal to or less than 2.5.2 due to an Unauthenticated Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-45756?

CVE-2023-45756 involves an Unauthenticated Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the ApplyOnline – Application Form Builder and Manager Plugin. This vulnerability could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser.

The Impact of CVE-2023-45756

The impact of CVE-2023-45756 is rated as high severity with a CVSS base score of 7.1. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to conduct Reflected XSS attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-45756

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the ApplyOnline Plugin allows unauthenticated attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts through specially crafted URLs, posing a threat to the security of the affected systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE-2023-45756 vulnerability affects ApplyOnline – Application Form Builder and Manager Plugin versions up to and including 2.5.2.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by enticing users to click on malicious links or URLs that contain the specially crafted scripts, leading to the execution of arbitrary code in the victim's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-45756, it is recommended to immediately update the ApplyOnline Plugin to a version beyond 2.5.2. Additionally, users should exercise caution while interacting with untrusted links or websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize regular security audits, implement web application firewalls, and educate users about the risks of clicking on unknown links to prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to regularly check for updates and patches released by Spider Teams for the ApplyOnline Plugin to address security vulnerabilities and ensure the protection of their systems.