CVE-2023-0695 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-0695 relates to a vulnerability found in the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin for WordPress, which allows for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. The vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 3.3.0, potentially enabling authenticated attackers with certain permissions to inject malicious scripts into pages.

Understanding CVE-2023-0695

The CVE-2023-0695 vulnerability in the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin poses a risk of Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. These attacks could be executed by authenticated individuals with contributor-level access or higher, facilitating the injection of harmful scripts into pages.

What is CVE-2023-0695?

CVE-2023-0695 is a vulnerability present in the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious web scripts using the 'mf' shortcode, impacting versions up to 3.3.0. The injected script can execute when the victim accesses a specific link, requiring user interaction for activation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0695

The CVE-2023-0695 vulnerability could lead to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks on WordPress sites that have the affected plugin installed. Attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher could exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute malicious scripts on pages, potentially compromising user data and site integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0695

The CVE-2023-0695 vulnerability in the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin has the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks via the 'mf' shortcode, enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts in pages that execute when users visit a crafted link. However, user interaction is necessary for the script to be activated.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin up to and including 3.3.0. Sites using these plugin versions are susceptible to the CVE-2023-0695 vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher can exploit the CVE-2023-0695 vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts using the 'mf' shortcode. These scripts will execute when a user interacts with a crafted link, posing a risk of Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2023-0695 vulnerability and enhance security measures, consider the following actions:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin to a version beyond 3.3.0 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor site activities for any suspicious behavior or unauthorized script injections.
Educate site administrators about the risks of XSS attacks and the importance of secure coding practices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit plugins and themes for security vulnerabilities and updates.
Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate XSS risks.
Conduct security testing and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from plugin developers and apply patches promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-0695. Regularly update plugins and WordPress core to maintain a secure environment.