CVE-2023-45832 in WP GoToWebinar Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Auth. (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Martin Gibson WP GoToWebinar plugin <= 14.45 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2026
The CVE-2023-45832 vulnerability represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the WP GoToWebinar plugin for WordPress platforms. This security weakness specifically affects versions up to and including 14.45, where authenticated administrators or users with elevated privileges can exploit the vulnerability. The flaw resides in the plugin's handling of user input within administrative interfaces, creating a persistent XSS vector that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's data storage. The vulnerability's severity stems from its requirement for administrative access, which typically grants attackers significant control over the affected WordPress installation, including the ability to modify content, manage users, and potentially escalate privileges further.
The technical implementation of this stored XSS vulnerability occurs when administrators interact with the plugin's administrative panels, particularly during the configuration of webinar settings or management of webinar data. The plugin fails to properly sanitize and escape user-supplied input before storing it in the database and subsequently rendering it within web pages. This inadequate input validation creates a persistent vector where malicious scripts can be executed whenever affected pages are loaded by other users, including administrators or regular site visitors. The vulnerability's classification as stored XSS (CWE-79) indicates that the malicious payload is permanently stored on the server and executed each time the compromised data is retrieved and displayed, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-45832 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to compromised WordPress installations. An attacker with administrative privileges could leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code that could steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, modify content, or even establish backdoors for continued access. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a widely used webinar plugin, meaning that compromised installations could lead to widespread data exfiltration or service disruption. Additionally, the stored nature of the vulnerability means that even if the initial attack occurs during a brief administrative session, the malicious scripts can continue to execute for as long as the compromised data remains in the system, potentially allowing for extended periods of unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-45832 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the stored 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 within their WordPress installations, particularly for plugins that handle user data. Security monitoring should include regular checks for unauthorized administrative activities and unexpected modifications to plugin configurations. Network segmentation and privileged access controls can help limit the damage if an attacker does gain administrative access, while regular security audits and penetration testing can identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as implementing the principle of least privilege, regularly updating all software components, and maintaining detailed security logs to detect anomalous activities. This case study aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and persistence, particularly emphasizing the need for robust input validation and the importance of maintaining updated security patches across all software components in web applications.