CVE-2023-2967 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-2967 involves a vulnerability in the TinyMCE Custom Styles plugin, specifically versions prior to 1.1.4, which exposes users to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. Users with high privilege, such as administrators, can exploit this vulnerability even when certain capabilities are restricted.

Understanding CVE-2023-2967

This section delves deeper into the nature of the CVE-2023-2967 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-2967?

The CVE-2023-2967 vulnerability is classified as CWE-79 Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). It affects the TinyMCE Custom Styles WordPress plugin versions below 1.1.4. This vulnerability enables attackers with elevated privileges to execute malicious scripts within the context of the affected site, potentially leading to various security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2967

The impact of CVE-2023-2967 is significant, as it allows malicious actors to inject and execute harmful scripts on a website, compromising user data, defacing the site, or even taking full control of the affected system. Since the vulnerability can be exploited by admin-level users, the risk is elevated even in scenarios where certain privileges are restricted.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2967

This section focuses on the technical aspects of CVE-2023-2967, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The TinyMCE Custom Styles plugin version prior to 1.1.4 fails to adequately sanitize and escape certain settings. This oversight enables attackers, including admin-level users, to embed malicious scripts through Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, circumventing security measures like disallowing the unfiltered_html capability.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts the TinyMCE Custom Styles plugin versions before 1.1.4. Users utilizing these versions are susceptible to the Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability, potentially leading to unauthorized script execution and compromised site integrity.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit CVE-2023-2967 by leveraging the lack of proper sanitization in the plugin's settings. By injecting malicious scripts, they can execute arbitrary code within the site's context, posing a severe threat to data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against CVE-2023-2967 and similar vulnerabilities, immediate action, as well as long-term security practices, are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update the TinyMCE Custom Styles plugin to version 1.1.4 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, monitor for any signs of unauthorized script execution or unusual activities on the website.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security audits, and educate users on safe digital behaviors to enhance overall cybersecurity posture. Stay informed about plugin updates, security patches, and best practices to stay ahead of potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for plugin updates and security advisories from reputable sources. Promptly apply patches and updates to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly, reducing the risk of exploitation.