CVE-2023-4798 – User Avatar – Reloaded < 1.2.2 - Contributor+ Stored XSS

During the plugin’s testing phase, a vulnerability was identified that enables the execution of Stored XSS by an attacker who embeds a shortcode in a new post, potentially leading to an account takeover.

Main info:

CVE	CVE-2023-4798
Plugin	User Avatar – Reloaded
Critical	High
Publicly Published	September 25, 2023
Last Updated	September 25, 2023
Researcher	Dmtirii Ignatyev
OWASP TOP-10	A7: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
PoC	Yes
Exploit	Will be later
Reference	https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-4798 https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/273a95bf-39fe-4ba7-bc14-9527acfd9f42
Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk

Timeline

August 22, 2023	Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the User Avatar – Reloaded access plugin have been completed
August 22, 2023	I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing
September 22, 2023	The author has released a fix update
September 25, 2023	Registered CVE-2023-4798

Discovery of the Vulnerability

While conducting a security assessment of the User Avatar – Reloaded plugin, a critical vulnerability was identified. This vulnerability allows for the execution of Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, carried out on behalf of a contributor-level user by embedding a malicious shortcode within a new post. This security flaw poses a significant threat as it enables attackers to gain control over user accounts and potentially compromise the integrity of the website.

Understanding of Stored XSS attack’s

Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that occurs when an application does not properly validate and sanitize user inputs. It allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts into a website, which are then stored and executed when other users view the affected content. This can lead to a range of malicious actions, including data theft, session hijacking, or even complete website compromise.

Exploiting the Stored XSS

Exploiting the Stored XSS vulnerability in the User Avatar – Reloaded plugin involves an attacker with contributor-level access inserting malicious code within a shortcode. This code can include payloads designed to steal user cookies, impersonate users, or perform actions on behalf of the compromised contributor account. Attackers can craft convincing phishing attempts, potentially leading to the compromise of sensitive data and accounts.

POC shortcode:

[avatar user=”admin” size=”96″ align=”left” link='” onmouseover=”alert(/XSS/)”‘ /]

This is shortcode which you can add to new post

The potential risks associated with CVE-2023-4798 are substantial. An attacker could compromise the accounts and privacy of contributors and potentially escalate their access to perform more malicious actions. This could include posting harmful content, stealing user data, or manipulating website functionality.

In a real-world scenario, imagine an attacker gaining access to a contributor-level account on a website using the User Avatar – Reloaded plugin. By embedding a malicious shortcode in a post, they can target and compromise the accounts of unsuspecting users who view the manipulated content. This could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and a loss of trust in the website’s security.

Recommendations for Improved Security

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-4798 and enhance the overall security of WordPress websites using the User Avatar – Reloaded plugin, the following recommendations should be considered:

• Update the plugin: Website administrators should promptly update the User Avatar – Reloaded plugin to version 1.2.2 or later, which should include a patch to address this vulnerability.
• Input validation: Developers should implement robust input validation and output encoding to prevent malicious code injection through shortcodes or other user inputs.
• User privilege management: Limit contributors’ capabilities and restrict access to critical functionalities, reducing the potential damage caused by compromised contributor accounts.
• Regular security audits: Conduct routine security audits and penetration testing on your WordPress website to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
• User awareness and education: Train contributors and administrators to recognize potential security threats, emphasizing the importance of safe shortcode usage and adherence to security best practices.

By following these recommendations, website owners can significantly reduce the risk of Stored XSS attacks and enhance the overall security posture of their WordPress installations.

#WordPressSecurity #StoredXSS #WebsiteSafety #StayProtected #HighVulnerability

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