CVE-2023-52203 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed analysis of the CVE-2023-52203 vulnerability affecting the WordPress cformsII plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-52203

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of the CVE-2023-52203 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-52203?

The CVE-2023-52203 vulnerability involves an Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') issue in the cformsII plugin for WordPress, created by Oliver Seidel and Bastian Germann. This vulnerability enables Stored XSS attacks, impacting versions from n/a through 15.0.5.

The Impact of CVE-2023-52203

The impact of CVE-2023-52203 is classified under CAPEC-592 Stored XSS. The vulnerability's CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.9, with a MEDIUM severity rating. It requires HIGH privileges to exploit and user interaction is REQUIRED. The attack complexity is LOW, and it affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems to a LOW extent.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-52203

Exploring the technical aspects of CVE-2023-52203 and how it affects systems.

Vulnerability Description

The CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability allows malicious actors to execute Stored XSS attacks in cformsII, impacting versions up to 15.0.5.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects cformsII versions from n/a through 15.0.5, posing a risk to systems utilizing these plugin versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute malicious scripts within the context of a user's session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Suggestions for mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-52203 and preventing potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the cformsII plugin to the latest patched version to eliminate the vulnerability.
Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block malicious XSS payloads.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and updates for the cformsII plugin.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches released by Oliver Seidel and Bastian Germann for cformsII to address security vulnerabilities and strengthen system defenses.