CVE-2023-5946 in Digirisk Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/03/2023
The Digirisk plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 'current_group_id' parameter in version 6.0.0.0 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2023
The Digirisk plugin for WordPress represents a specialized tool designed for risk management and safety documentation within wordpress environments. This plugin serves organizations that require systematic approaches to workplace safety protocols, risk assessments, and compliance tracking. The vulnerability discovered in version 6.0.0.0 specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input through the 'current_group_id' parameter, which is utilized to manage group-specific data within the risk management interface. This parameter is typically passed through url query strings when users navigate between different group sections of the risk management system. The flaw exists in the plugin's core processing logic where input validation and sanitization mechanisms fail to properly handle potentially malicious user-supplied data, creating an entry point for attackers to inject harmful scripts.
The technical implementation of this reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of the 'current_group_id' parameter before it is processed and displayed in the web interface. When the plugin receives this parameter through a web request, it fails to properly escape or filter the input before incorporating it into dynamic html content or javascript execution contexts. This oversight allows attackers to craft malicious urls containing encoded script payloads that will execute in the context of a victim's browser when the page loads. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web output, and more specifically addresses CWE-74 which covers injection flaws in web applications. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious script is not stored on the server but is instead reflected back to the user through the web application's response, making it particularly dangerous for social engineering attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it creates a vector for more sophisticated attacks targeting authenticated users within the Digirisk environment. An unauthenticated attacker can construct malicious links that, when clicked by an unsuspecting user, will execute scripts in the user's browser context. This could potentially lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using Digirisk for workplace safety documentation where users may be prompted to click on links within administrative interfaces or shared documents. Attackers could leverage this weakness to inject malicious scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform unauthorized actions within the Digirisk application. The attack requires user interaction through clicking on a malicious link, but the impact can be significant for organizations relying on the plugin for critical safety documentation and compliance management.
Organizations using Digirisk version 6.0.0.0 should immediately implement mitigations to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the plugin where input sanitization and output escaping have been properly implemented. Until such an upgrade is possible, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block reflected xss attacks targeting known vulnerable parameters. The mitigation strategy should include monitoring for suspicious url patterns containing encoded script payloads and implementing proper input validation at the application level. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to tactic TA0001 (initial access) and technique T1566 (phishing with malicious links) where the malicious link serves as the delivery mechanism for the xss payload. Security teams should also consider implementing browser security policies such as content security policy headers that limit script execution sources to prevent successful exploitation even if the vulnerability is not immediately patched. Regular security audits of wordpress plugins should include verification of input sanitization practices and output escaping mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions.