CVE-2023-48765 : What You Need to Know

WordPress Email Address Encoder Plugin <= 1.0.22 is vulnerable to Cross Site Scripting (XSS).

Understanding CVE-2023-48765

This Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) ID refers to a specific security issue found in the Email Address Encoder plugin for WordPress developed by Till Krüss.

What is CVE-2023-48765?

The CVE-2023-48765 vulnerability, also known as CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, relates to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, leading to a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Email Address Encoder plugin from version n/a through 1.0.22.

The Impact of CVE-2023-48765

This vulnerability allows for Stored XSS attacks, where malicious scripts can be injected and executed within the context of a user's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or further compromise of the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-48765

The vulnerability is scored a 6.5 in severity according to the CVSS v3.1 system, categorizing it as a medium-level threat with low complexity. An attacker with low privileges can exploit this issue over the network, requiring user interaction for success.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a lack of proper input validation during the creation of web pages, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Email Address Encoder plugin versions from n/a through 1.0.22 are vulnerable to this XSS attack.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input that gets executed on the victim's browser when the plugin processes the data, enabling them to steal sensitive information or perform unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-48765, immediate action is required to secure affected WordPress installations and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Email Address Encoder plugin to version 1.0.23 or higher as a quick fix to eliminate the XSS vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Developers should implement robust input validation and output encoding techniques in plugins to prevent XSS vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and prompt patching of known issues are essential for maintaining website security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for plugin updates and security advisories, promptly applying any patches released by the plugin developer to keep the website protected from known vulnerabilities.