CVE-2023-51399 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-51399, a vulnerability found in the WordPress Back Button Widget Plugin version 1.6.3 and below, allowing for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-51399

CVE-2023-51399 is a security vulnerability identified in the WPFactory Back Button Widget WordPress plugin version 1.6.3 and earlier, potentially enabling threat actors to conduct Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2023-51399?

CVE-2023-51399 refers to the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, leading to a Stored XSS vulnerability in the Back Button Widget plugin.

The Impact of CVE-2023-51399

The impact of CVE-2023-51399 is rated as 'Medium' with a base severity score of 6.5 according to CVSS v3.1 assessment. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts on the victim's browser.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-51399

The vulnerability description relates to the Stored XSS issue present in the WPFactory Back Button Widget WordPress plugin. The affected versions range from custom variants to version 1.6.3.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, highlighting the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, which can be leveraged for Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

WPFactory Back Button Widget plugin versions up to and including 1.6.3 are impacted by this vulnerability, with custom versions also at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises due to the lack of proper input validation during web page generation, allowing threat actors to inject and execute malicious scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-51399 and mitigate the associated risks, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the WPFactory Back Button Widget plugin to version 1.6.4 or later to eliminate the vulnerability and prevent potential XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, regular security audits, and staying informed about plugin updates can enhance the overall security posture and help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and staying up-to-date with software versions, especially for critical plugins like WPFactory Back Button Widget, is crucial to maintaining a secure WordPress environment.