CVE-2023-4772 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-4772 pertains to a vulnerability in the Newsletter plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to and including 7.8.9. The vulnerability allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'newsletter_form' shortcode due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, enabling authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts.

Understanding CVE-2023-4772

This section delves deeper into the details of the CVE-2023-4772 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-4772?

The CVE-2023-4772 vulnerability involves Stored Cross-Site Scripting in the Newsletter plugin for WordPress, allowing authenticated attackers to inject malicious web scripts using the 'newsletter_form' shortcode.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4772

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can be exploited by attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to execute arbitrary web scripts on injected pages, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the WordPress website.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4772

This section outlines the technical specifics of the CVE-2023-4772 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping in the 'newsletter_form' shortcode, enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions up to and including 7.8.9 of the Newsletter plugin for WordPress.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions can exploit the vulnerability by injecting malicious web scripts via the 'newsletter_form' shortcode.

Mitigation and Prevention

In order to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-4772, certain steps can be taken to enhance the security of WordPress websites.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Newsletter plugin to the latest version that includes a patch for the vulnerability.
Monitor website activity for any suspicious behavior or unauthorized access.
Limit user permissions to reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on WordPress plugins.
Educate users with elevated permissions on best security practices to prevent such vulnerabilities.
Consider implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to provide an additional layer of security.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all plugins, including the Newsletter plugin, are regularly updated to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities and enhance overall website security.