CVE-2023-51685 in WP Review Slider Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/01/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in LJ Apps WP Review Slider allows Stored XSS.This issue affects WP Review Slider: from n/a through 12.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2024
The CVE-2023-51685 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in the LJ Apps WP Review Slider plugin for WordPress systems. This stored XSS vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization during the web page generation process, specifically when handling user-provided data within review slider components. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database and execute whenever affected pages are loaded by unsuspecting users. The vulnerability impacts all versions of WP Review Slider from the initial release through version 12.7, indicating a prolonged exposure window that increases the likelihood of exploitation across numerous WordPress installations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications where input data is not properly neutralized before being rendered in web pages.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious input is submitted through review submission forms or configuration settings within the WP Review Slider plugin. The injected scripts can execute in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect them to malicious websites. Stored XSS vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because the malicious code persists in the server's database rather than being executed only during a single request, making them more difficult to detect and remediate. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of WordPress plugins and the typical lack of robust input validation in third-party components. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent footholds within compromised WordPress environments, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-51685 extends beyond simple script execution as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple user sessions and browser contexts. Organizations running affected WordPress installations face significant risks including data theft, unauthorized content modification, and potential redirection to phishing sites. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise, as it does not require complex attack vectors or specific user interactions beyond visiting compromised pages. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users access the same WordPress site, as a single compromised review submission can affect all visitors. The persistence of stored XSS makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors who seek long-term access to target systems without requiring repeated exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-51685 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the identified XSS vulnerability, as this represents the most direct solution to the issue. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of their WordPress installations. Security monitoring should include regular scanning for stored XSS patterns in database content, particularly within user-generated review data and plugin configuration fields. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers credential harvesting through phishing, as XSS attacks can be used to steal authentication tokens and session information from authenticated users. Regular security audits of third-party plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses that could expose systems to similar attack vectors.