CVE-2023-0078 in Resume Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2023
The Resume Builder WordPress plugin through 3.1.1 does not sanitize and escape some parameters related to Resume, which could allow users with a role as low as subscriber to perform Stored XSS attacks against higher privilege users
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2023
The CVE-2023-0078 vulnerability affects the Resume Builder WordPress plugin version 3.1.1 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-controllable parameters within the plugin's resume-related functionality. The flaw specifically targets the plugin's handling of resume data inputs, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into the application's database. The security risk is particularly concerning because it allows even users with minimal privileges, such as subscribers, to exploit this weakness and potentially compromise higher-privileged users within the same WordPress installation. The vulnerability represents a classic stored XSS attack vector where malicious payloads are stored on the server and executed when other users view the affected resume content, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators and editors frequently interact with resume data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the plugin's data handling mechanisms where user inputs related to resume information are not properly validated or sanitized before being stored in the database. When higher-privileged users subsequently view or interact with the compromised resume data, their browsers execute the malicious JavaScript code embedded in the stored parameters. This flaw aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting, specifically the stored variant where malicious code is permanently stored on the target server and executed when accessed by other users. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate output escaping, which are fundamental security principles that should be implemented at every layer of application development. The attack surface is widened by the fact that the plugin's resume creation and editing interfaces accept rich text inputs that are not properly filtered, allowing for the injection of malicious script tags and other harmful payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0078 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of compromised users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. In a WordPress environment, this vulnerability could allow an attacker with subscriber-level access to effectively gain access to administrative functions through session hijacking or by stealing authentication tokens from higher-privileged users who view the compromised resume data. The attack could be particularly devastating in corporate or educational environments where resume data contains sensitive personal information, making the exploitation potentially lucrative for threat actors. The vulnerability also violates the principle of least privilege by allowing low-privilege users to create persistent attack vectors against the system's more privileged components, undermining the security model of the entire WordPress installation and potentially affecting other plugins or themes that share the same user context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-0078 should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sanitization and escaping issues, along with implementing comprehensive input validation at both the application and database levels. Administrators should consider restricting user roles and capabilities to prevent subscribers from accessing resume creation or editing features where possible, while also implementing proper output escaping for all user-controllable data. Network-level monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of resume data access or modification that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and code reviews specifically targeting user input handling, particularly in plugins that process rich text or complex data structures. Organizations should implement the principle of defense in depth by combining multiple security controls including web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of following security best practices in WordPress plugin development, particularly regarding the handling of user-provided content and the implementation of proper sanitization and escaping mechanisms that align with industry standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.