CVE-2023-48780 in WP Catalogue Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2023
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in EnigmaWeb WP Catalogue allows Stored XSS.This issue affects WP Catalogue: from n/a through 1.7.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48780 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness within the EnigmaWeb WP Catalogue plugin for WordPress systems. This flaw manifests as an improper neutralization of input during web page generation, creating a persistent stored XSS attack vector that can compromise user sessions and execute malicious scripts within the context of affected websites. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the WP Catalogue plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.7.6, indicating a prolonged period during which this security gap existed without proper mitigation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. When users submit data through forms or content fields that are subsequently stored and displayed on web pages, the plugin fails to adequately sanitize or escape special characters that could be interpreted as executable script code. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript payloads that persist in the database and execute whenever legitimate users view the affected content. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that once an attacker successfully injects malicious code, it will affect all users who access the compromised pages without requiring additional user interaction beyond viewing the content.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-48780 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, modify website content, or redirect users to malicious sites. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which defines the weakness of Cross-site Scripting, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 for Access Token Manipulation and T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The attack surface is particularly concerning for e-commerce and catalog-based websites where user-generated content is common, as attackers can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate product listings, inject phishing content, or gain unauthorized access to administrative functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the WP Catalogue plugin to the latest secure version that addresses the XSS flaw. System administrators must also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures, including the implementation of Content Security Policies to prevent unauthorized script execution. Additionally, regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes, along with monitoring for suspicious user activity or unauthorized content modifications, will help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures and the potential consequences of delayed patch management in WordPress environments. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their digital infrastructure.