CVE-2023-2708 in Video Gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2023
The Video Gallery plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘search_term’ parameter in versions up to, and including, 1.0.10 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link. CVE-2023-32597 may be a duplicate of this.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2708 affects the Video Gallery plugin for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 1.0.10. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes WordPress sites to reflected cross-site scripting attacks, making it a significant concern for website administrators and security professionals. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into web pages.
The technical flaw manifests through the 'search_term' parameter which fails to properly sanitize user input before processing. When this parameter is passed through the plugin's functionality without adequate validation, it allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that gets executed in the context of a victim's browser. This reflected XSS vulnerability operates by tricking users into clicking on specially crafted links that contain the malicious payload, which then executes when the user navigates to the affected page. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication, meaning any user can potentially exploit it without needing valid credentials.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risks for WordPress site owners who rely on the Video Gallery plugin for their video content management. Successful exploitation could lead to various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, redirection to malicious websites, or even the installation of malware on user systems. The impact extends beyond individual site compromise as attackers could use this vulnerability to launch broader campaigns targeting multiple WordPress installations. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious script is not stored on the server but is instead reflected back to the user through the application's response, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional server-side filtering mechanisms.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution tactic, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on victim systems. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the plugin where available, implementing web application firewalls to filter suspicious input, and conducting thorough security audits of their WordPress installations. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing content security policies and regular security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and output escaping practices as outlined in OWASP's top ten security risks, emphasizing the need for robust sanitization of all user-supplied data before processing or rendering in web applications.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping WordPress plugins updated and maintaining comprehensive security hygiene practices. The ease of exploitation and potential impact make this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that rely on WordPress platforms for their digital presence, requiring immediate attention and remediation to prevent potential security breaches and data compromises.