CVE-2023-44477 in Cooked Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Auth. (contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Boxy Studio Cooked plugin <= 1.7.13 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The CVE-2023-44477 vulnerability represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the Boxy Studio Cooked plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to and including 1.7.13. This vulnerability specifically targets users with contributor privileges or higher, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have varying levels of access. The issue stems 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 database. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input before incorporating it into web pages served to other users. This type of vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user's privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a contributor or higher-privileged user interacts with the plugin's functionality that processes user-generated content. The malicious script is stored in the database and subsequently executed whenever other users view the affected content, making it a persistent threat rather than a one-time attack vector. The flaw typically manifests when user input containing script tags or malicious payloads is not properly sanitized before being saved to the database or rendered on web pages. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which involves the use of malicious content to gain initial access, and T1588.001 which covers the development of malware for use in campaigns. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active even after the initial injection, continuously affecting all users who encounter the compromised content.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-44477 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and compromise entire WordPress installations. When a contributor-level user is compromised, attackers can potentially manipulate content, inject malicious code into the site's pages, and even create new administrative accounts. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate plugin functionality but also the broader security posture of the WordPress environment, as it provides a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. Organizations running affected versions of the Boxy Studio Cooked plugin face significant risks including data exfiltration, defacement of web content, and potential use as a stepping stone for further attacks within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in multi-user environments where contributors may have access to sensitive content management features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-44477 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as the vendor has released patches to resolve the issue. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output escaping mechanisms across all user-generated content processing within the WordPress environment. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script payloads, restricting contributor privileges to minimize potential damage, and conducting thorough security audits of all installed plugins. Organizations should also establish monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized content modifications and maintain regular backups to ensure rapid recovery from potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping all WordPress plugins updated and following secure coding practices that prevent improper input handling and output sanitization, which are fundamental requirements for maintaining web application security.