CVE-2023-0370 : What You Need to Know

This article provides crucial information about CVE-2023-0370, a vulnerability identified in the WPB Advanced FAQ WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-0370

CVE-2023-0370, titled "WPB Advanced FAQ <= 1.0.6 - Contributor+ Stored XSS," is a security flaw that affects the WPB Advanced FAQ WordPress plugin version 1.0.6 and below. This vulnerability poses a risk of Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks for users with the contributor role and above.

What is CVE-2023-0370?

The CVE-2023-0370 vulnerability stems from the WPB Advanced FAQ WordPress plugin not properly validating and escaping certain shortcode attributes before displaying them on a page or post. This oversight allows malicious contributors and higher-level users to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, potentially compromising the security of the website.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0370

The impact of CVE-2023-0370 could be severe, as it enables attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into the website. This can lead to unauthorized actions, data theft, and further exploitation of the website's visitors.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0370

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0370, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the WPB Advanced FAQ WordPress plugin allows users with contributor roles and above to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks by manipulating certain shortcode attributes. This lack of proper validation and escaping opens the door for malicious script injections.

Affected Systems and Versions

The WPB Advanced FAQ plugin versions up to 1.0.6 are vulnerable to CVE-2023-0370. Specifically, versions 0 to 1.0.6 are affected by this security flaw. Websites using these versions are at risk of exploitation by unauthorized users with contributor privileges or higher.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-0370 involves crafting malicious shortcode attributes and embedding them within a page or post using the WPB Advanced FAQ plugin. By exploiting the lack of validation and escaping, attackers can inject harmful scripts that execute when the page or post is viewed, potentially compromising user data and website integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your website from CVE-2023-0370 requires immediate action and long-term security measures to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or uninstall the WPB Advanced FAQ plugin if not essential for website functionality.
Update the plugin to the latest secure version that addresses CVE-2023-0370.
Restrict user roles and permissions to minimize the impact of potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all WordPress plugins and themes to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement security measures such as web application firewalls to prevent unauthorized access.
Educate users on safe practices to avoid falling victim to phishing or social engineering attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by the plugin developer and promptly apply them to ensure your website is protected against CVE-2023-0370 and other potential threats. Regularly monitor security advisories and take proactive steps to safeguard your website and its visitors.