CVE-2023-51691 in Comments Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/01/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in gVectors Team Comments – wpDiscuz allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Comments – wpDiscuz: from n/a through 7.6.12.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51691 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the gVectors Team Comments – wpDiscuz plugin for WordPress systems. This stored XSS vulnerability occurs during the web page generation process when user input is improperly sanitized or neutralized before being rendered back to other users. The flaw specifically impacts versions of the wpDiscuz plugin ranging from an unspecified beginning version through 7.6.12, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors targeting WordPress installations that utilize this commenting system. The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the database and execute whenever other users view the affected comments, making it particularly dangerous for high-traffic websites where user-generated content is prevalent.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the wpDiscuz plugin's comment handling functionality. When users submit comments containing malicious script code, the plugin fails to properly sanitize this input before storing it in the database and subsequently rendering it on web pages. This failure to neutralize potentially harmful input creates an environment where attacker-controlled JavaScript code can execute in the context of other users' browsers, enabling a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists indefinitely until manually removed, making it particularly insidious as it can affect users long after the initial injection occurs.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-51691 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged for comprehensive attack chains that compromise entire user sessions and potentially lead to full system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to steal cookies, modify content, redirect users to phishing sites, or even escalate privileges within the affected WordPress environment. The vulnerability's presence in widely-used commenting plugins means that numerous websites could be simultaneously exposed to attack, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on user-generated content. Additionally, the persistent nature of stored XSS makes it particularly challenging to detect and remediate, as the malicious code can remain dormant for extended periods before being triggered by unsuspecting users.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 7.6.13 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the input sanitization flaws. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including content security policies, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security scanning of user-generated content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links, as attackers often leverage XSS vulnerabilities to deliver further malicious payloads. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious comment patterns and implementation of web application firewalls to prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes remain essential to identify similar vulnerabilities that could compromise system integrity and user data confidentiality.