CVE-2023-7084 in Voting Record Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2024
The Voting Record WordPress plugin through 2.0 is missing sanitisation as well as escaping, which could allow any authenticated users, such as subscriber to perform Stored XSS attacks
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-7084 affects the Voting Record WordPress plugin version 2.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes WordPress sites to persistent cross-site scripting attacks. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's codebase, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist across user sessions. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user-supplied data, where proper sanitization and escaping mechanisms are absent, allowing attackers to execute malicious code in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical flaw manifests when authenticated users with subscriber-level privileges submit content that is later displayed without proper sanitization. This stored cross-site scripting vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious javascript code into the plugin's administrative interfaces or frontend displays, which then executes whenever other users view the affected content. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting, specifically a stored XSS variant, where the malicious payload is permanently stored on the server and executed against users who access the compromised data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1566.001 - Phishing via Social Engineering, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it allows attackers to potentially escalate privileges, steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of victims, and access sensitive administrative functions. An attacker with subscriber privileges can manipulate the plugin's data handling processes to inject malicious code that persists across multiple user sessions, making the attack particularly dangerous for WordPress administrators who may unknowingly interact with compromised content. The vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the WordPress platform, as it allows low-privilege users to create persistent threats that can compromise the entire site's integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-7084 require immediate action including updating to the latest version of the Voting Record plugin where the sanitization and escaping issues have been resolved. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as role-based access controls, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security audits of installed plugins. The WordPress security team recommends disabling the plugin entirely until a patched version is installed, as the vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the system with minimal privileges. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual data submissions that might indicate XSS attack attempts, and administrators should consider implementing content security policies to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. Regular security assessments of third-party plugins remain crucial for maintaining WordPress site integrity and preventing exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.