CVE-2023-29435 in Zwaply Cryptocurrency All-in-One Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/26/2023
Auth. (contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Zwaply Cryptocurrency All-in-One plugin <= 3.0.19 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2023
The CVE-2023-29435 vulnerability represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the Zwaply Cryptocurrency All-in-One WordPress plugin, affecting versions up to and including 3.0.19. This vulnerability specifically targets users with contributor privileges or higher, making it particularly concerning for content management systems where multiple user roles exist. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into the application's data storage layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated users with contributor level permissions or higher submit content containing malicious JavaScript code through the plugin's interface. This content gets stored in the database and subsequently executed whenever other users view the affected pages, making it a classic stored XSS vulnerability. The vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user inputs, particularly in areas where cryptocurrency transaction details or wallet information are processed. According to CWE-79, this maps directly to the Common Weakness Enumeration for Cross-Site Scripting, specifically the stored variant where malicious scripts are permanently stored on the target server. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1566.001 - Phishing, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple user sessions. Attackers could potentially steal administrator credentials, modify plugin configurations, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires only contributor-level privileges, which are often granted to trusted content creators or editors in WordPress environments. This means that a compromised low-privilege account could become a foothold for more extensive attacks. The stored nature of the vulnerability also ensures that the malicious payload remains active until manually removed from the database, providing attackers with sustained access to victim systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-29435 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches to resolve the input sanitization issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output escaping mechanisms throughout their WordPress installations, particularly in areas handling cryptocurrency data. Security monitoring should include regular scanning for malicious scripts in database entries and user-generated content. Additionally, implementing content security policies and restricting contributor privileges to only necessary functions can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing for plugins handling sensitive data, particularly in financial applications where user trust is paramount. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script injections, while maintaining regular security audits of all installed plugins and themes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.