CVE-2023-49771 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed overview of CVE-2023-49771 focusing on the vulnerability in WordPress Smart External Link Click Monitor [Link Log] Plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-49771

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-49771.

What is CVE-2023-49771?

The CVE-2023-49771 vulnerability involves an 'Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')' issue in the Peter Raschendorfer Smart External Link Click Monitor [Link Log] Plugin, allowing Reflected XSS. This vulnerability affects versions from n/a through 5.0.2.

The Impact of CVE-2023-49771

The impact of CVE-2023-49771 is rated as HIGH severity with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1, falling under CAPEC-591 Reflected XSS. The vulnerability requires user interaction and has LOW confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-49771

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-49771 in detail.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, leading to a Reflected XSS risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Smart External Link Click Monitor [Link Log] Plugin versions up to and including 5.0.2 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to execute malicious scripts on a target user's browser when the user interacts with a specially crafted link.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the necessary steps to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-49771.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update to a version beyond 5.0.2 or apply patches released by the vendor to address the vulnerability promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, perform regular security audits, and educate users to recognize and report suspicious links.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for plugins and regularly apply the latest patches to mitigate risks effectively.