CVE-2023-4726 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-4726 relates to a vulnerability found in the Ultimate Dashboard plugin for WordPress, allowing for Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. The issue affects versions up to and including 3.7.7, exposing a risk for authenticated attackers with admin-level permissions in multi-site installations.

Understanding CVE-2023-4726

The vulnerability in the Ultimate Dashboard plugin for WordPress exposes systems to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in admin settings.

What is CVE-2023-4726?

The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with admin-level permissions to inject malicious web scripts on pages, leading to their execution when accessed by users. This primarily impacts multi-site installations and instances where unfiltered_html has been disabled.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4726

With a CVSSv3.1 base score of 4.4 (Medium severity), this vulnerability poses a risk of attackers executing arbitrary scripts on compromised pages, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4726

The following technical aspects are noteworthy when considering CVE-2023-4726:

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping within the admin settings of the Ultimate Dashboard plugin, enabling attackers to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions up to and including 3.7.7 of the Ultimate Dashboard plugin for WordPress are affected by this vulnerability. The primary impact is on multi-site installations and instances with disabled unfiltered_html.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with admin-level permissions can leverage this vulnerability to inject and execute arbitrary web scripts on compromised pages, leveraging the stored cross-site scripting flaw.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-4726 and mitigate its potential risks, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Ultimate Dashboard plugin to a version beyond 3.7.7 to patch the vulnerability.
Ensure all users with admin-level permissions follow secure password practices and exercise caution with executing scripts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and update plugins and themes to address security vulnerabilities promptly.
Monitor user permissions and restrict access to sensitive areas to minimize the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Keep track of security advisories from plugin developers and promptly apply patches and updates to stay protected against emerging threats.