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CVE-2023-4795 – Testimonial Slider Shortcode < 1.1.9 - Contributor+ Stored XSS

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While evaluating the plugin, we uncovered a vulnerability that permits the execution of Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) on behalf of a contributor. This vulnerability is exploited by inserting a shortcode into a newly created post, potentially resulting in an account takeover.

Main info:

CVECVE-2023-4795
PluginTestimonial Slider Shortcode
CriticalHigh
Publicly PublishedSeptember 25, 2023
Last UpdatedSeptember 25, 2023
ResearcherDmtirii Ignatyev
OWASP TOP-10A7: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
PoCYes
ExploitWill be later
Reference https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-4795
https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/b8390b4a-b43f-4bf6-a61b-dfcbc7b2e7a0
Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk

Timeline

August 24, 2023Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the Testimonial Slider Shortcode plugin have been completed
August 24, 2023I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing
September 20, 2023The author has released a fix update
September 25, 2023Registered CVE-2023-4795

Discovery of the Vulnerability

During a thorough evaluation of the Testimonial Slider Shortcode plugin, a significant security vulnerability was uncovered. This vulnerability allows for the execution of Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the use of a shortcode within a new post. Intriguingly, this security loophole can be exploited by contributors and users with elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized account access.

Understanding of Stored XSS attack’s

Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) represents a type of security vulnerability where malicious scripts are inserted into a web application and then stored for future execution when other users interact with the affected content. In the context of this vulnerability, attackers can utilize shortcodes to store and subsequently execute malicious JavaScript code.

Exploiting the Stored XSS

Exploiting the Stored XSS vulnerability within the Testimonial Slider Shortcode plugin involves the insertion of malicious code within a shortcode by an attacker with contributor-level privileges or higher. The injected code may include payloads designed to steal user data, impersonate users, or execute actions on behalf of the compromised contributor account. Attackers can create seemingly innocuous posts that, upon viewing, trigger the execution of the malicious script.

POC shortcode:

[tss_item text=»Abelson has been an amazing firm to work with. Lorem changed the company.» name=»JOHN SAMPSON LP» link='” onmouseover=”alert(/XSS/)”‘/]

This is shortcode which you can add to new post

Despite the requirement for contributor-level privileges, CVE-2023-4795 poses substantial risks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can:

In a real-world scenario, envision an attacker leveraging this vulnerability to compromise a contributor’s account on a website employing the Testimonial Slider Shortcode plugin. By embedding a malicious shortcode in a seemingly harmless post, they can execute an XSS attack on anyone who views the manipulated content. This could result in unauthorized account access, data breaches, and harm to the website’s reputation.

Recommendations for Improved Security

To mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-4795 and enhance the overall security of WordPress websites employing the Testimonial Slider Shortcode plugin, consider the following recommendations:

By adhering to these recommendations, website administrators can significantly reduce the risk of Stored XSS attacks and enhance the overall security posture of their WordPress installations, even for vulnerabilities that may require contributor-level privileges.

#WordPressSecurity #StoredXSS #WebsiteSafety #StayProtected #HighVulnerability

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