CVE-2023-32591 in DBargain Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2023
Auth. (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Cloud Primero B.V DBargain plugin <= 3.0.0 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-32591 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the DBargain plugin for WordPress systems, specifically affecting versions up to and including 3.0.0. This issue resides in the administrative interface of the plugin, where authenticated users with administrator privileges or higher can exploit the vulnerability. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's database storage, which then executes whenever other users view the affected content. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, particularly in how it handles user-supplied data that gets stored and later rendered in web pages. This creates a persistent threat where malicious payloads can affect multiple users over time without requiring repeated exploitation attempts.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw occurs because the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input before storing it in the database, and subsequently fails to adequately escape output when rendering content to web browsers. Attackers with administrator-level access can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious script persists in the database and affects all users who access the affected plugin functionality, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators regularly manage content.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-32591 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to compromise entire WordPress installations when administrators are targeted. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that can be used to maintain access to the system, steal administrator credentials, or redirect users to malicious websites for phishing attacks. Additionally, the stored XSS can be leveraged to manipulate the plugin's administrative interface, potentially allowing attackers to modify or delete critical data, alter user permissions, or even install additional malicious plugins. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative interface, which typically has the highest privileges within WordPress systems, making this vulnerability a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-32591 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the stored XSS vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches to resolve the input validation and output sanitization issues. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures at multiple layers, including server-side sanitization of all user inputs and proper HTML escaping of output data before rendering in web interfaces. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting administrative access to only essential personnel and implementing multi-factor authentication for administrator accounts. Security monitoring should include regular scanning for stored XSS vulnerabilities in all installed plugins and themes, with particular attention to administrative interfaces. Additionally, implementing content security policies can provide an additional layer of protection against malicious script execution even if the primary vulnerability is not fully patched. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits of their WordPress installations and maintain up-to-date vulnerability assessment procedures to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by attackers. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output escaping in web application security, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, and T1566 for credential access through social engineering via compromised administrative interfaces.