CVE-2023-30777 is a high-severity reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the WP Engine Advanced Custom Fields Pro and Advanced Custom Fields plugins. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a victim's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. The vulnerability affects versions up to 6.1.5, necessitating immediate action from organizations using these plugins.
With a CVSS score of 7.1, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to its network attack vector and low complexity. Attackers require no privileges to exploit this vulnerability, but user interaction is necessary to trigger the attack. This combination increases the likelihood of exploitation, especially in scenarios where users are tricked into clicking malicious links.
Given the high severity and potential impact, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The risk to organizations includes the possibility of data theft, unauthorized actions, and compromised user sessions, which can lead to further attacks or data breaches.
Currently, there is a known exploit for this vulnerability, which underscores the urgency for defenders to implement necessary patches and update their installations to version 6.1.6 or later.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows for reflected XSS attacks that can lead to session hijacking and other malicious activities. It is classified under CWE-79, indicating its nature as a cross-site scripting vulnerability. The vulnerability was published on May 10, 2023, and has since been modified to reflect its current status and details.
Organizations using the affected versions of the Advanced Custom Fields plugins should ensure they update their installations to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-30777 lies in improper validation of user input, which allows malicious scripts to be reflected back to the user. The attack vector is through the network, requiring the attacker to lure a victim into clicking a crafted link. The complexity of the attack is low, with no privileges required and user interaction needed to initiate the exploit.
The impact on confidentiality and integrity is assessed as low, while availability is not affected. However, the potential for session hijacking and unauthorized actions makes this vulnerability particularly concerning.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment risk associated with CVE-2023-30777 is significant. Organizations that fail to patch are exposed to potential exploitation, which could lead to data breaches and reputation damage. The blast radius is extensive considering the wide usage of the Advanced Custom Fields plugins in various WordPress installations.
According to EPSS scoring, this vulnerability has a high probability of being exploited in the wild, indicating that organizations must treat the patching of this vulnerability with urgency. The combination of a high CVSS score and an established exploit increases the likelihood of attackers leveraging this vulnerability in real-world scenarios.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of WP Engine Advanced Custom Fields and Advanced Custom Fields plugins prior to version 6.1.6. Organizations must ensure they are running the latest version to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risk of CVE-2023-30777, organizations should apply the patch provided by the vendor to upgrade to version 6.1.6 or later. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing workarounds that may include disabling the affected plugins, applying stricter input validation, or utilizing web application firewalls. Additionally, regular security assessments, including penetration testing, can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor web application logs for indications of attempted XSS attacks, including unexpected script execution or unusual URL parameters. Behavioral anomalies in user sessions may also indicate exploitation attempts. Furthermore, implementing proper logging and alerting mechanisms can assist in identifying and responding to such threats effectively.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2023-30777 highlights the ongoing challenges in web application security, particularly concerning XSS vulnerabilities. Security teams should focus on improving input validation and sanitization practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Regular vulnerability assessments and adopting a proactive security stance are crucial for maintaining secure applications.
Security teams can benefit from leveraging existing resources and expertise, such as those found in comprehensive guides on penetration testing methodologies and integrating continuous security practices within their development lifecycle. This approach not only helps in identifying vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-30777 but also enhances the overall security posture of the organization.
For teams focusing on advanced security assessments, exploring cloud penetration testing or API security testing can provide additional insights into securing applications against evolving threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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