CVE-2023-50828 : Security Advisory and Response

WordPress Ultimate Dashboard Plugin <= 3.7.11 is vulnerable to Cross Site Scripting (XSS)

Understanding CVE-2023-50828

This CVE identifies a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Ultimate Dashboard plugin for WordPress, version 3.7.11 and earlier.

What is CVE-2023-50828?

The CVE-2023-50828, also known as WordPress Ultimate Dashboard Plugin <= 3.7.11 Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), refers to the vulnerability that allows for Stored XSS due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-50828

The impact of CVE-2023-50828 is classified as a medium severity issue with a CVSS base score of 5.9. The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to execute malicious scripts in the context of the victim's browser, leading to potential data theft, unauthorized account access, or other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-50828

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, allowing for Stored XSS in the Ultimate Dashboard plugin for WordPress version 3.7.11 and earlier.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Ultimate Dashboard – Custom WordPress Dashboard developed by David Vongries. Versions up to and including 3.7.11 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into input fields, which are later executed in the victim's browser, posing a risk of unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-50828, immediate actions and long-term security measures should be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Ultimate Dashboard plugin to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Implement content security policies (CSP) to prevent untrusted script execution on the website.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and apply patches promptly.
Educate users to avoid clicking on suspicious links and submitting personal information on untrusted websites.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the Ultimate Dashboard plugin and ensure timely installation of patches to protect the website from potential exploits.