CVE-2023-25462 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record was published on August 30, 2023, with a focus on a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WP htaccess Control plugin version 3.5.1 or below. The vulnerability was discovered by Rio Darmawan from Patchstack Alliance.

Understanding CVE-2023-25462

This section dives into the details of CVE-2023-25462, shedding light on the nature and impact of this security vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-25462?

The CVE-2023-25462 vulnerability is classified as an Authenticated (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability present in the WP htaccess Control plugin versions equal to or less than 3.5.1. This type of vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts into web content viewed by other users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25462

The impact of this vulnerability can be significant, as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized access, and other harmful consequences.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25462

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-25462, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the WP htaccess Control plugin version 3.5.1 or below allows for Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, posing a risk to the security and integrity of websites utilizing this plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE-2023-25462 vulnerability specifically affects WP htaccess Control plugin versions up to and including 3.5.1, highlighting the importance of timely updates and security measures for users of this plugin.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires authentication with elevated privileges (admin+), allowing threat actors to inject malicious scripts into the plugin, leading to potential XSS attacks on vulnerable systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating the risk associated with CVE-2023-25462 involves taking immediate steps, adopting long-term security practices, and ensuring the timely application of patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of WP htaccess Control plugin version 3.5.1 or below should consider temporarily disabling the plugin, monitoring for any signs of malicious activity, and implementing additional security measures to protect against potential XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations and individuals should prioritize regular security audits, employee training on identifying and mitigating security threats, and proactive security measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

To address CVE-2023-25462, it is crucial to apply the latest patches and updates released by plugin developers promptly. Keeping software and plugins up to date is essential in safeguarding systems against known vulnerabilities and exploits.