Stored Cross-Site Scripting Attacks Possible on All In One SEO WordPress Plugin Versions 4.2.9 and Below
The All In One SEO WordPress plugin, which has over 3 million active installations, has been found to be vulnerable to two Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, according to an advisory published by the United States National Vulnerability Database. The vulnerabilities impact all versions of the plugin up to and including version 4.2.9, and both are stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities. The first vulnerability, CVE-2023-0585, requires administrator-level privileges and has a medium threat level score of 4.4.
The second vulnerability, CVE-2023-0586, only requires a lower level of privilege and has a higher score of 6.4. It is recommended that all vulnerable plugins be updated to version 4.3.0, which contains the security fix. This version is referred to in the official AIOSEO changelog as additional “security hardening”. Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks can be injected via input areas such as contact forms and image upload forms, where there are insufficient security checks to block unwanted inputs.
Cross-site scripting attacks are a common form of injection exploit that can cause significant damage to websites and their users. In the case of the All In One SEO WordPress plugin vulnerabilities, malicious scripts executed in users’ browsers could lead to access to cookies, user sessions, and even site takeover. The two most common forms of Cross-Site Scripting attacks are reflected and stored, with the latter being the type affecting the AIOSEO plugin.
The severity of the vulnerabilities in the All In One SEO WordPress plugin underscores the importance of website security and the need for timely updates of plugins and other software. Even if a vulnerability only requires a lower level of privilege to exploit, it can still cause significant damage to a website and its users. In addition, vulnerabilities can be exploited in various ways and by different types of attackers, making it essential to address them promptly.
WordPress is a popular platform used by millions of websites worldwide, and with popularity comes increased risk. The large number of active installations of the All In One SEO plugin makes it an attractive target for attackers. It is crucial to stay vigilant and prioritize security to ensure the safety of websites and their users. Regular updates, security checks, and best practices can help reduce the risk of vulnerabilities and mitigate their impact when they do occur.
In conclusion, the All In One SEO WordPress plugin vulnerabilities are a reminder of the importance of website security and the need for timely updates and regular security checks. Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities can be particularly dangerous and can lead to significant damage if exploited. It is crucial to prioritize security and take the necessary steps to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities and address them promptly when they do occur. By doing so, website owners can help ensure the safety and security of their users and their websites.
