CVE-2023-2811 in AI ChatBot Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2023
The AI ChatBot WordPress plugin before 4.5.6 does not sanitise and escape numerous of its settings, which could allow high privilege users such as admin to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks to all admin when setting chatbot and all client when using chatbot
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2025
The CVE-2023-2811 vulnerability affects the AI ChatBot WordPress plugin version 4.5.5 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks through improper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user settings and configuration parameters, creating a persistent security risk that can compromise administrator accounts and end-user sessions. The flaw exists within the plugin's backend processing where user inputs are not adequately validated or escaped before being stored in the database and subsequently rendered in web pages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects high-privilege users such as administrators who have the ability to modify plugin settings, making them potential targets for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The stored XSS vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user inputs across multiple configuration settings and chatbot parameters. When administrators configure chatbot behavior or modify plugin settings, the input data is stored without adequate escaping or validation processes. This creates a persistent threat vector where malicious scripts can be embedded in plugin configuration fields and executed whenever the affected settings are displayed or processed. The vulnerability affects both administrator and client users since the malicious payloads can be triggered during chatbot interactions or when displaying stored configuration data. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-79: Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability, specifically manifesting as a stored XSS attack pattern where the malicious input is stored on the server and then served to other users. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as administrators are typically the only users who can modify plugin settings, but the malicious code affects all users who interact with the chatbot functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-2811 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform sophisticated attacks that can compromise entire WordPress installations. When administrators access plugin settings or when users interact with the chatbot interface, the stored malicious scripts execute in the context of their browsers, allowing for session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the WordPress admin interface and can be leveraged to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, including modifying content, accessing sensitive data, or installing additional malware. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain persistent access to compromised WordPress installations, especially when administrators regularly access plugin settings or when the chatbot functionality is actively used by multiple users. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that the vulnerability affects both backend administrative interfaces and frontend client interactions, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely heavily on chatbot functionalities for customer support or automated responses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2811 focus on immediate plugin updates to version 4.5.6 or later, which contain the necessary sanitization and escaping fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all WordPress plugins and themes are regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict user privileges to minimize the attack surface, ensuring that only trusted individuals have access to plugin configuration interfaces. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual activity in chatbot-related settings or unexpected script injections. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting script execution contexts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script payloads. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1547.009: Cloud Service Account, where attackers can leverage compromised administrator accounts to maintain persistence and escalate privileges within WordPress environments. Regular security audits of WordPress installations should include verification of plugin security configurations and input validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future.