CVE-2023-48317 in Display Custom Post Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/30/2023
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Vikas Vatsa Display Custom Post allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Display Custom Post: from n/a through 2.2.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48317 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness within the Display Custom Post plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified initial version through 2.2.1. This stored XSS vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization during the web page generation process, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw manifests when user-supplied data is improperly processed and rendered without appropriate escaping or validation measures, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of affected websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly neutralize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. When users submit data through the plugin's interface, the system does not adequately sanitize or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This improper input handling creates a persistent vector where malicious scripts can be stored on the server and subsequently executed whenever affected pages are loaded by other users. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic stored cross-site scripting scenario where the malicious payload is stored on the server rather than being transmitted via URL parameters or HTTP headers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user data, manipulate website content, or redirect users to malicious sites. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, modify content displayed on the website, or even install backdoors for persistent access. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active until manually removed by administrators, creating a prolonged window of opportunity for exploitation. This weakness directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on establishing persistence through malicious content injection, and T1059 which covers execution through script-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-48317 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 2.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input sanitization issues. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures including input validation at multiple layers, output escaping for all dynamic content, and regular security audits of plugin code. The WordPress security team recommends that all users immediately update their installations and conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular monitoring of security advisories and maintaining up-to-date security practices remain essential for preventing exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future, as this issue demonstrates the ongoing importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in web application security.