CVE-2023-0073 in Client Logo Carousel Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/13/2023
The Client Logo Carousel WordPress plugin through 3.0.0 does not validate and escape some of its shortcode attributes before outputting them back in a page/post where the shortcode is embed, which could allow users with the contributor role and above to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2023
The CVE-2023-0073 vulnerability resides within the Client Logo Carousel WordPress plugin version 3.0.0 and earlier, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that undermines web application security. This vulnerability specifically affects WordPress environments where the plugin is installed and actively used, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors who have already gained contributor-level access or higher within the WordPress administration interface. The flaw manifests in the plugin's handling of shortcode attributes, where insufficient validation and escaping mechanisms fail to sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it within web pages. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially leading to complete account compromise or unauthorized administrative actions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization practices within the plugin's shortcode processing functionality. When administrators or contributors embed the plugin's shortcode within posts or pages, the system fails to adequately validate and escape attributes such as image URLs, links, or custom parameters that users might input through the WordPress editor interface. This lack of proper sanitization creates an environment where malicious payloads can be injected and subsequently stored within the WordPress database. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, where the application fails to properly validate or escape user-controllable data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that once malicious code is injected, it persists and executes every time the affected page is loaded, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems that serve as central hubs for website operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the risk profile for WordPress sites utilizing the affected plugin, as it allows attackers with minimal privileges to escalate their access and compromise the entire website. The contributor role in WordPress typically grants users the ability to create and edit posts, upload media files, and manage their own content, but the presence of this XSS vulnerability enables these users to perform actions that should be restricted to higher-privileged roles. The attack surface expands considerably as the malicious code can execute in the context of any user who views the affected pages, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or even complete website takeover. This vulnerability particularly impacts organizations that rely heavily on user-generated content or collaborative editing environments where multiple contributors have access to the WordPress platform. The stored XSS nature means that even if administrators later remove or modify the malicious content, the code remains persistent in the database until manually cleaned, creating ongoing security risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-0073 should prioritize immediate action including updating to the latest version of the Client Logo Carousel plugin where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect any unauthorized shortcode modifications or suspicious content injections within their WordPress installations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting contributor access to only essential functions and regularly reviewing user permissions within WordPress environments. Security hardening measures such as implementing content security policies and regular security audits of installed plugins can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls or security scanning tools that can detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit XSS vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can execute malicious scripts through the XSS vector, potentially leading to further exploitation techniques such as credential theft or lateral movement within compromised networks. Regular patch management processes and security awareness training for WordPress administrators can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation through such vulnerabilities.