^{CVE-2023-0899:}Stored XSS vulnerability in Steveas WP Live Chat Shoutbox WordPress plugin through version 1.4.2

Overview

This vulnerability affects the Steveas WP Live Chat Shoutbox WordPress plugin through version 1.4.2. The plugin fails to properly sanitize and escape user input parameters, leading to a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability. When exploited, an attacker can inject malicious JavaScript code into the Shoutbox that will execute in the browsers of other users who view the content. This is particularly dangerous as it can target high-privilege users such as administrators, potentially leading to account takeover, malicious actions performed on behalf of the victim, or theft of sensitive information. The vulnerability is classified as stored XSS, meaning the malicious payload persists in the application's database and affects users who access the compromised content.

Remediation

1. Update the Steveas WP Live Chat Shoutbox plugin to a version newer than 1.4.2 if available.
2. If no update is available, consider temporarily disabling the plugin until a patch is released.
3. Implement additional security measures such as:
   • Using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious inputs
   • Regularly monitoring Shoutbox content for suspicious activity
   • Limiting access to the Shoutbox functionality to trusted users only
4. Consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate the impact of XSS attacks.
5. Educate administrators and users about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or content in the Shoutbox.

References

1. WPScan Vulnerability Database: https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/e95f925f-118e-4fa1-8e8f-9dc1bc698f12
2. MITRE CVE-2023-0899: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-0899
3. OWASP Cross-Site Scripting Prevention: https://owasp.org/www-community/attacks/xss/
4. WordPress Plugin Security Best Practices: https://developer.wordpress.org/plugins/security/