CVE-2023-0058 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE, assigned by WPScan, pertains to a Stored XSS vulnerability via CSRF in the Tiempo.com WordPress plugin version 0.1.2 and below. It was published on August 16, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-0058

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-0058 and its implications.

What is CVE-2023-0058?

CVE-2023-0058 involves a security flaw in the Tiempo.com WordPress plugin version 0.1.2 and earlier. The vulnerability stems from the lack of CSRF checks during the creation and editing of shortcodes, coupled with inadequate sanitization and escaping mechanisms. This flaw enables malicious actors to inject Stored XSS payloads through a CSRF attack, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data manipulation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0058

As a result of this vulnerability, attackers can execute arbitrary code, steal sensitive information, modify content, or perform other malicious actions within the context of a vulnerable WordPress site. The lack of proper input validation and output encoding opens the door to various cyber threats, compromising the security and integrity of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0058

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0058 to better understand its nature and potential risks.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Tiempo.com <= 0.1.2 arises from the plugin's failure to implement adequate CSRF protection and input validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts via CSRF attacks, leading to Stored XSS vulnerabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue impacts the Tiempo.com WordPress plugin versions 0.1.2 and below, with the potential to affect WordPress websites utilizing this specific plugin version.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of CSRF checks and inadequate input sanitization, threat actors can craft malicious requests to inject and execute harmful scripts within the vulnerable plugin, thereby exploiting the Stored XSS vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-0058 is crucial for safeguarding WordPress websites against potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should promptly update the Tiempo.com plugin to a secure version that addresses the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing robust CSRF protection mechanisms and input sanitization practices can help mitigate the risk of similar attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Consistently monitoring plugin updates, conducting security audits, and educating users on safe coding practices are vital for enhancing the overall security posture of WordPress installations and mitigating the risk of security vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-0058.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring that all plugins and themes are regularly updated to their latest secure versions is essential for mitigating the risk of vulnerabilities. Promptly applying patches and fixes provided by plugin developers can help address known security issues and protect WordPress websites from potential exploits.