CVE-2023-6938 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-6938 involves a vulnerability in the Oxygen Builder plugin for WordPress, exposing it to Stored Cross-Site Scripting. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 4.8 due to inadequate input sanitization and output escaping. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher can inject malicious web scripts into pages, which execute when a user visits the affected page. Version 4.8.1 of the Oxygen Builder plugin has addressed this vulnerability by implementing an optional filter for output escaping of dynamic data.

Understanding CVE-2023-6938

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-6938, shedding light on its nature and impact.

What is CVE-2023-6938?

CVE-2023-6938 is a vulnerability in the Oxygen Builder plugin for WordPress that allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious web scripts through a custom field, exploiting insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6938

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts on an injected page, potentially compromising user data and the overall security of the WordPress website.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6938

This section outlines the technical aspects of CVE-2023-6938, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Oxygen Builder plugin for WordPress facilitates Stored Cross-Site Scripting through a custom field, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute when users visit affected pages.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of the Oxygen Builder plugin up to and including 4.8 are impacted by CVE-2023-6938, making it crucial for users to update to version 4.8.1 that includes a fix for this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious web scripts into pages using the Oxygen Builder plugin, compromising the security and integrity of the WordPress website.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides insights into mitigating and preventing the exploitation of CVE-2023-6938, safeguarding WordPress websites against potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Oxygen Builder plugin to version 4.8.1 or later, which includes a patch addressing the Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability. Additionally, limiting contributor-level access can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance the security of WordPress websites, it is essential to regularly update plugins, maintain strong authentication protocols, and implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Staying abreast of security updates released by plugin developers and promptly applying patches to vulnerable software is crucial in mitigating the risk of exploitation. Regular security audits and monitoring can also help detect and address vulnerabilities proactively.