CVE-2023-24401 in Mobile Call Now & Map Buttons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/30/2023
Auth. (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Davidsword Mobile Call Now & Map Buttons plugin <= 1.5.0 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2023
The CVE-2023-24401 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass issue within the Davidsword Mobile Call Now & Map Buttons WordPress plugin, affecting versions up to and including 1.5.0. This flaw permits authenticated users with administrator privileges or higher to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's administrative interface, creating a persistent cross-site scripting vector that can compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data, specifically in the parameters used for configuring call buttons and map displays. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to complete administrative control over the affected WordPress site.
The technical implementation of this stored XSS vulnerability occurs when administrators interact with the plugin's settings interface, where user-provided content containing malicious script tags is not properly escaped or filtered before being stored in the database. When other administrators or privileged users view the plugin configuration pages, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially stealing session cookies, modifying site content, or redirecting users to malicious domains. This vulnerability operates under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically classified as a stored variant where the malicious payload is permanently stored on the target server and executed whenever the vulnerable page is accessed. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique for Code Injection, specifically targeting web applications through input validation bypasses.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-24401 extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to manipulate the plugin's functionality and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can modify the plugin's behavior to redirect users to phishing sites, inject malicious advertisements, or alter the display of map and call buttons to mislead users. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists even after the initial attack, creating a long-term threat that can affect multiple users over time. This vulnerability particularly impacts WordPress sites that rely heavily on mobile optimization and location-based services, as these are the primary use cases for the affected plugin. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that it requires only administrator-level privileges to exploit, making it accessible to attackers who have already gained some level of access to the WordPress administrative interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-24401 should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the stored XSS vulnerability, as well as implementing additional security measures to protect against similar issues. Organizations should ensure that all WordPress plugins are regularly updated and maintained, with particular attention to plugins handling user input or administrative configurations. Input validation should be strengthened through proper sanitization of all user-provided data before storage, with output encoding applied to prevent script execution in browser contexts. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in plugin configuration changes, and administrative access should be protected through multi-factor authentication and least privilege principles. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper security controls in WordPress plugin development, particularly around user input handling and access control mechanisms. Security audits should include verification of plugin configurations and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to administrative interfaces.