CVE-2023-23821 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-23821 relates to a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the Marcin Pietrzak Interactive Polish Map plugin version 1.2 and below for WordPress.

Understanding CVE-2023-23821

This section will provide insights into what CVE-2023-23821 entails, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-23821?

CVE-2023-23821 refers to an authentication (admin+) stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability discovered in the Interactive Polish Map plugin by Marcin Pietrzak versions up to 1.2. This vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in a victim's browser, leading to unauthorized actions.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23821

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity with a CVSS base score of 5.9. It falls under CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, indicating the risk of unauthorized script execution. Attackers with admin level privileges can exploit this vulnerability, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23821

In this section, we will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves an authentication (admin+) stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue within versions of the Interactive Polish Map plugin by Marcin Pietrzak up to 1.2. It allows malicious actors to inject and execute scripts in the context of the affected website, potentially leading to various security risks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability impacts the Marcin Pietrzak Interactive Polish Map plugin version 1.2 and below for WordPress installations. Users with admin level access are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires admin level privileges on the affected WordPress website. By injecting malicious scripts through the Interactive Polish Map plugin, attackers can manipulate user interactions, steal sensitive data, or perform unauthorized actions on the compromised site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-23821, follow the recommended mitigation steps and best practices to enhance the security of your WordPress environment.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Interactive Polish Map plugin to version 1.2.1 or higher to patch the XSS vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and restrict user access levels to minimize the impact of potential XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement web application firewalls (WAF) to filter and block malicious input, including XSS payloads.
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate potential threats proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by plugin developers. Promptly apply patches to close known vulnerabilities and ensure the overall security of your WordPress website.