CVE-2023-6842 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE, assigned by Wordfence, was published on January 9, 2024. It concerns a vulnerability in the Formidable Forms plugin for WordPress, impacting versions up to 6.7. The vulnerability allows for stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, potentially enabling malicious scripts to execute within the context of a user's browser.

Understanding CVE-2023-6842

The CVE-2023-6842 highlights a significant security risk present in the Formidable Forms plugin for WordPress, specifically in versions up to 6.7. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with administrator-level access to inject malicious scripts via specific parameters, posing a threat to user data and system security.

What is CVE-2023-6842?

The vulnerability in the Formidable Forms plugin for WordPress, up to version 6.7, enables stored Cross-Site Scripting through insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This flaw permits attackers with certain privileges to inject harmful scripts that execute when a user visits affected pages.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6842

The impact of CVE-2023-6842 can be severe, as it exposes users to the risk of arbitrary script execution on compromised sites. This vulnerability affects multi-site installations and instances where unfiltered_html has been disabled, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6842

The Formidable Forms plugin for WordPress is susceptible to stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts via specific parameters. The following technical details shed light on the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping in the Formidable Forms plugin, facilitating Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. Attackers with administrator-level access can exploit this flaw to inject arbitrary scripts into pages, leading to unauthorized script execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts all versions of the Formidable Forms plugin for WordPress up to version 6.7. Sites utilizing these versions are at risk of stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, potentially compromising user data and system integrity.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-6842, attackers must possess administrator-level access to the WordPress site running the vulnerable Formidable Forms plugin. By leveraging insufficient input sanitization, they can inject malicious scripts via specific parameters, enabling script execution when accessed by users.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-6842 requires immediate action to mitigate the risk of stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. Implementing comprehensive security measures can safeguard WordPress sites against potential exploits and unauthorized script execution.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators should promptly update the Formidable Forms plugin to the latest patched version to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, enforcing strong access controls and regularly monitoring for suspicious activities can enhance site security.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance long-term security, WordPress site owners should prioritize regular security audits, implement secure coding practices, and educate users on identifying and reporting suspicious activities. Stay informed about security patches and updates to proactively address emerging threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating the Formidable Forms plugin to the latest secure version is crucial for mitigating vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-6842. Promptly applying security patches and staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities are essential practices to maintain a secure WordPress environment.