CVE-2023-2256 in Product Addons & Fields for WooCommerce Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/30/2023
The Product Addons & Fields for WooCommerce WordPress plugin before 32.0.7 does not sanitize and escape some URL parameters, leading to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2256 affects the Product Addons & Fields for WooCommerce WordPress plugin version 32.0.7 and earlier, presenting a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw that exploits improper handling of URL parameters. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's failure to adequately sanitize and escape user-supplied input values that are subsequently reflected back to users through web responses, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw specifically impacts the plugin's handling of URL parameters that are not properly validated or escaped before being rendered in web output, making it susceptible to exploitation through crafted malicious links or forms that target unsuspecting users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within its core functionality. When the plugin processes URL parameters containing user-supplied data, it fails to apply appropriate sanitization routines that would neutralize potentially malicious script content before incorporating it into the HTTP response. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious URLs that contain script payloads which are then reflected back to the victim's browser when the page is loaded, executing the injected code in the context of the victim's session. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, representing a fundamental weakness in input handling that enables malicious code execution within user browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious sites. When exploited successfully, the reflected XSS allows attackers to manipulate the functionality of the affected website, potentially compromising user sessions and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in the context of e-commerce environments where user sessions contain sensitive transactional data and authentication tokens that could be intercepted or manipulated by malicious actors. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction, typically involving the victim clicking on a malicious link that contains the crafted payload, making it highly exploitable in phishing campaigns or social engineering attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2256 involve immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 32.0.7 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script payloads in HTTP requests, input validation rules that filter out potentially dangerous characters, and content security policies that restrict script execution within the affected application. The remediation process should include comprehensive security auditing of all installed WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities, along with regular monitoring for new security advisories and updates. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across their WordPress environments, as the vulnerability represents a persistent risk that can be exploited by automated scanning tools and threat actors seeking to compromise e-commerce platforms.