CVE-2023-23864 in Simple Google Maps Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/23/2023
Auth. (contributor+) Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Michael Aronoff Very Simple Google Maps plugin <= 2.8.4 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2023
This vulnerability resides within the Very Simple Google Maps plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to and including 2.8.4. The issue manifests as an authentication bypass condition that allows users with contributor level permissions or higher to execute cross-site scripting attacks against the WordPress administration interface. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's map embedding functionality, where user-supplied map parameters are not properly escaped before being rendered in the admin dashboard. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can be exploited by authenticated users who possess contributor privileges or higher, enabling them to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other administrators or editors who view the affected pages.
The technical flaw operates through the plugin's handling of map data attributes and configuration parameters that are processed without adequate sanitization measures. When contributors or higher-level users create or modify map embeds within the WordPress editor, the plugin fails to properly escape special characters in the input data before rendering it in HTML contexts. This weakness allows attackers to inject script tags or other malicious payloads that persist in the database and execute whenever administrators or editors access the relevant admin pages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only contributor-level access, which is often granted to trusted users who may not be fully vetted security personnel, making it an attractive target for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to potentially hijack administrator sessions, steal sensitive configuration data, modify content, or redirect users to malicious websites. The persistent nature of the stored XSS means that the injected payloads remain active until manually removed from the database, allowing for extended periods of exploitation. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a significant security risk for WordPress installations that rely on the affected plugin. The attack surface is particularly wide since the vulnerability affects the admin interface where administrators perform critical tasks, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as the developer has released patches for this specific issue. Organizations should implement strict input validation and output escaping mechanisms for all user-supplied data within the WordPress admin environment, particularly for plugins that handle external map data or configuration parameters. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious script injections in admin pages, and role-based access controls should be reviewed to ensure that contributor-level users have appropriate permissions that align with the principle of least privilege. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and regular security audits of third-party plugins can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control through script injection, and T1548.001 for privilege escalation through compromised administrative interfaces.