CVE-2023-28533 in Cab Grid Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/17/2023
Auth. (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in M Williams Cab Grid plugin <= 1.5.15 versions.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2023
This stored cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the Cab Grid plugin for WordPress, affecting versions 1.5.15 and earlier. The flaw allows authenticated administrators or users with admin-level privileges to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's administrative interface. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's data handling processes, specifically when processing user-supplied data in administrative forms or configuration settings.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers with administrative access to store malicious JavaScript code within the plugin's database or configuration files. When other administrators or privileged users view the affected administrative pages, the stored script executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions within the WordPress environment. This represents a classic stored XSS flaw that violates the principle of least privilege and proper input sanitization practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides a persistent attack vector that can compromise the entire WordPress installation. An attacker with admin-level access can maintain persistence through the stored script execution, potentially escalating privileges further or exfiltrating sensitive data. The vulnerability affects the plugin's administrative interface where users configure taxi booking systems, making it particularly dangerous as it targets the most privileged users of the system.
Security best practices dictate that all user inputs should be properly validated and escaped before being rendered in web pages. This vulnerability demonstrates a failure to implement proper output encoding and input sanitization, which are fundamental requirements in the OWASP Top Ten security controls. The flaw aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and represents a clear violation of the principle of defense in depth as outlined in NIST SP 800-53 security controls.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to versions 1.5.16 or later where the XSS vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and output escaping. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as regular security audits of installed plugins, monitoring for unauthorized administrative access, and implementing web application firewalls. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting administrative access to only necessary personnel and implementing multi-factor authentication. Additionally, regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to prevent similar issues in other components of the WordPress ecosystem.