CVE-2023-49188 : Security Advisory and Response

WordPress Track Geolocation Of Users Using Contact Form 7 Plugin <= 1.4 is vulnerable to Cross Site Scripting (XSS).

Understanding CVE-2023-49188

This CVE involves a Stored XSS vulnerability in the ZealousWeb Track Geolocation Of Users Using Contact Form 7 plugin, affecting versions up to 1.4.

What is CVE-2023-49188?

The CVE-2023-49188 vulnerability, also known as CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, allows for Stored Cross-site Scripting on websites utilizing the affected plugin.

The Impact of CVE-2023-49188

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk, with a CVSS base score of 5.9. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute malicious scripts, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the affected website.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-49188

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in ZealousWeb Track Geolocation Of Users Using Contact Form 7 allows Stored XSS. The issue impacts versions from n/a through 1.4.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE specifically affects the ZealousWeb Track Geolocation Of Users Using Contact Form 7 plugin versions up to 1.4.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through crafting malicious input that, when processed by the plugin, results in the execution of unauthorized scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-49188, users should take immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to disable or uninstall the affected plugin immediately. Website administrators should also monitor for any signs of unauthorized script execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, it is crucial to regularly update plugins and software to patch known vulnerabilities. Implementing input validation mechanisms can also help prevent similar XSS exploits.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to apply any security patches or updates released by ZealousWeb for the Track Geolocation Of Users Using Contact Form 7 plugin to address the vulnerability effectively.