CVE-2023-0094 in UpQode Google Maps Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2024
The UpQode Google Maps WordPress plugin through 1.0.5 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0094 resides within the UpQode Google Maps WordPress plugin version 1.0.5 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks through improper input sanitization. This issue specifically affects the plugin's handling of shortcode attributes, where the software fails to adequately validate and escape user-provided data before rendering it back to the browser. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets users with the contributor role and above, meaning that attackers with relatively low privileges can exploit this weakness to inject malicious scripts into web pages. The plugin's shortcode functionality allows users to embed interactive maps within WordPress posts and pages, but the lack of proper sanitization creates an attack vector where malicious payloads can be stored and subsequently executed when other users view the affected content. This stored XSS vulnerability directly violates the principle of input validation and output escaping that forms the foundation of secure web application development practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker with contributor privileges or higher creates or modifies a post or page containing a maliciously crafted shortcode. The plugin's shortcode attributes are processed without proper sanitization, allowing HTML and JavaScript code to be injected into the page output. When other users with appropriate permissions view the content, their browsers execute the stored malicious scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability stems from a failure to implement proper Content Security Policy enforcement and output encoding mechanisms, which are fundamental requirements for preventing XSS attacks according to the OWASP Top Ten and CWE-79. This specific implementation flaw allows attackers to bypass standard WordPress security measures that typically protect against such attacks, as the plugin itself becomes the vector for script injection rather than relying on user input at the post level.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0094 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to compromise entire WordPress installations through session manipulation and privilege escalation. The stored nature of the XSS payload means that the malicious code persists in the database and affects all users who view the affected content, creating a persistent threat that can be leveraged for extended periods. Attackers can use this vulnerability to steal cookies, modify content, redirect users to phishing sites, or even install backdoors through more sophisticated attack chains. The contributor role privilege escalation aspect is particularly dangerous because it allows users who should have limited permissions to potentially gain broader access to the WordPress administration interface. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content, and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, demonstrating how a seemingly minor input validation flaw can enable comprehensive attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-0094 require immediate action including updating to the patched version of the UpQode Google Maps plugin, which should include proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms. Administrators should implement comprehensive content filtering and sanitization measures, particularly for user-generated content and shortcode parameters. The WordPress security configuration should include enhanced output encoding for all shortcode attributes and proper content validation before storage. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit similar XSS vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other plugins or themes that may exhibit similar input validation flaws. The remediation process must include thorough testing of the patched plugin to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while malicious code injection is properly prevented. Additionally, user role management should be reviewed to ensure that only trusted administrators have the ability to create or modify content that could potentially contain malicious scripts, thereby reducing the attack surface for such vulnerabilities.