CVE-2023-7083 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides an overview of CVE-2023-7083, a vulnerability in the Voting Record WordPress plugin that could lead to Stored XSS via CSRF attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-7083

CVE-2023-7083 refers to a security vulnerability found in the Voting Record WordPress plugin version 2.0 and below. This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks through cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vectors.

What is CVE-2023-7083?

The Voting Record WordPress plugin version 2.0 and earlier lacks proper CSRF checks in certain areas, as well as proper sanitization and escaping mechanisms. This could potentially allow malicious actors to trick authenticated administrators into adding stored XSS payloads through CSRF attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-7083

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in attackers injecting malicious scripts into the plugin settings, leading to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of authenticated administrators. This could compromise the security and integrity of the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-7083

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-7083 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The lack of CSRF checks and inadequate sanitization/escaping in the Voting Record plugin version 2.0 and below allows attackers to introduce and execute stored XSS payloads via CSRF attacks. This enables them to manipulate content within the plugin settings.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts the "Voting Record" WordPress plugin, specifically versions 0 through 2.0. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation if proper mitigation measures are not implemented.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can leverage CSRF techniques to trick authenticated administrators into unknowingly adding malicious XSS payloads within the plugin settings. This could result in the execution of arbitrary scripts on the targeted WordPress site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2023-7083, it is crucial to implement the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Voting Record WordPress plugin to the latest secure version that addresses the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for any suspicious activities or unauthorized changes within the plugin settings.
Educate administrators on the risks of CSRF attacks and the importance of verifying input data.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively.
Implement a web application firewall to filter and block malicious traffic targeting the plugin.
Stay informed about security best practices and emerging threats to enhance the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates released by the plugin developers. Regularly check for new vulnerabilities and apply relevant patches promptly to mitigate potential risks associated with the Voting Record plugin.