CVE-2023-51397 in WP Remote Site Search Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/29/2023
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Brainstorm Force WP Remote Site Search allows Stored XSS.This issue affects WP Remote Site Search: from n/a through 1.0.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51397 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Brainstorm Force WP Remote Site Search plugin, specifically impacting versions through 1.0.4. This weakness falls under the category of improper input neutralization during web page generation, creating a persistent security risk that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability is classified as a stored XSS attack vector, meaning that malicious code can be permanently stored on the server and subsequently executed whenever affected pages are accessed by unsuspecting users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-provided input within the plugin's web page generation processes. When users interact with the search functionality or submit content through the plugin interface, the system fails to properly validate and sanitize the input data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. This failure creates an opening for attackers to embed malicious JavaScript code within search queries or other user-controllable fields. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that once malicious input is processed and saved within the plugin's data storage, it remains persistent and executes automatically each time affected pages are rendered for legitimate users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to user accounts. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal cookies, manipulate user sessions, redirect victims to malicious websites, or even escalate privileges within the affected WordPress environment. The stored nature of the attack makes it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods without requiring repeated exploitation attempts. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE-79 category for Cross-Site Scripting, which specifically addresses the improper neutralization of input data that leads to script execution in web applications.
Organizations utilizing the WP Remote Site Search plugin in version 1.0.4 or earlier face significant risk exposure due to this vulnerability, particularly those operating e-commerce sites, content management systems, or platforms handling sensitive user information. The attack surface is broad as any user interaction with the search functionality or content submission features could potentially be exploited. Security teams should immediately implement mitigation strategies including plugin version updates, input validation enforcement, and comprehensive monitoring of user-generated content for suspicious patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.001 for Spearphishing Attachment, highlighting the potential for privilege escalation and initial access through malicious code execution. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and regular security audits can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation while ensuring compliance with industry standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.
Mitigation efforts should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, alongside comprehensive input sanitization measures and regular security assessments. Administrators must also implement web application firewalls, monitor user activity for anomalous behavior, and conduct regular penetration testing to identify potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web application security, serving as a reminder that even seemingly benign plugins can introduce significant security risks when proper sanitization controls are not implemented.