CVE-2023-5667 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

In this article, we will delve into the details of CVE-2023-5667, a vulnerability found in the Tab Ultimate plugin for WordPress.

Understanding CVE-2023-5667

CVE-2023-5667 refers to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the Tab Ultimate plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to and including 1.3. This vulnerability arises due to inadequate input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes within the plugin's shortcodes.

What is CVE-2023-5667?

The CVE-2023-5667 vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts. These scripts can be injected into pages via the plugin's shortcodes, executing whenever a user accesses the compromised page.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5667

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could lead to the execution of malicious scripts on unsuspecting users' browsers. Attackers could exploit this flaw to perform various actions, including theft of sensitive information or further compromise of the WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5667

The following technical details highlight specific aspects of the CVE-2023-5667 vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The Tab Ultimate plugin for WordPress is susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes within the plugin's shortcodes.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: themepoints
Product: Tab Ultimate
Versions Affected: Up to and including 1.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor-level and above permissions can exploit this vulnerability by injecting arbitrary web scripts through the plugin's shortcodes, affecting users who access the compromised pages.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-5667 and enhance the security of WordPress sites utilizing the Tab Ultimate plugin, the following steps should be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of the Tab Ultimate plugin once a fix is released.
Implement strict input sanitization and output escaping practices within the plugin's code.
Monitor and review user-contributed content for potential malicious scripts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security measures within WordPress plugins to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Educate users on best practices for handling user-contributed content to minimize security risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by the plugin developer to swiftly address vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-5667 and strengthen overall site security.