CVE-2023-40557 in Tabs & Accordion Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/04/2024
Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page (Basic XSS) vulnerability in PickPlugins Tabs & Accordion allows Code Injection.This issue affects Tabs & Accordion: from n/a through 1.3.10.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-40557 represents a critical security flaw in the PickPlugins Tabs & Accordion WordPress plugin, classified under CWE-79 as Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page. This basic cross-site scripting vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's codebase, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.3.10. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers, creating a persistent security risk for websites utilizing this plugin.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in HTML output contexts. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious content through plugin configuration fields or shortcode parameters that are then stored and displayed without adequate HTML escaping or encoding. This creates an environment where JavaScript code can be injected and executed in the browsers of unsuspecting visitors, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of input validation and output encoding, where the plugin's failure to neutralize potentially dangerous HTML tags allows attackers to bypass security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-40557 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within affected web applications. When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser, potentially allowing them to steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious input that gets processed by the plugin and subsequently rendered in web pages, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators or regular users may be tricked into interacting with compromised content. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in WordPress environments where the plugin is widely used, as it can affect numerous websites simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 1.3.10 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as input validation, output encoding, and Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce the impact of potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566.001 as "Phishing with Social Engineering" and T1059.007 as "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript," highlighting the attack patterns that leverage such weaknesses. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security audits of their WordPress installations, review plugin permissions, and implement web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability scanning should be maintained to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins or components of the web application stack.