CVE-2023-47177 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2023-47177, an authentication stored XSS vulnerability in WordPress Linker Plugin <= 1.2.1. Understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
WordPress Linker Plugin <= 1.2.1 is vulnerable to Cross Site Scripting (XSS).
Understanding CVE-2023-47177
This CVE-2023-47177 pertains to a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the Linker plugin version 1.2.1 and below for WordPress.
What is CVE-2023-47177?
CVE-2023-47177 highlights an authentication (admin+) stored XSS vulnerability affecting the Linker plugin by Yakir Sitbon and Ariel Klikstein. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The Impact of CVE-2023-47177
The impact of CVE-2023-47177 is categorized under CAPEC-592 (Stored XSS). This type of attack can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, cookie theft, or complete account compromise.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-47177
The vulnerability lies in the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically in the handling of user-generated content by the Linker plugin.
Vulnerability Description
The stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability enables attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user, potentially leading to account hijacking or data theft.
Affected Systems and Versions
The Linker plugin versions 1.2.1 and below for WordPress are affected by this XSS vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers with admin or higher privileges can exploit this vulnerability by crafting and storing malicious scripts within the plugin, which are then executed when other users access the compromised pages.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard against CVE-2023-47177, immediate actions as well as long-term security practices are essential.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update to the latest version of the Linker plugin to mitigate the XSS vulnerability.
- Monitor user-generated content for suspicious scripts and conduct security audits regularly.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.
- Educate users about safe browsing practices and the risks associated with executing untrusted scripts.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates for the Linker plugin and WordPress core, applying patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities.