CVE-2023-5538
Published: 18 October 2023
Summary
CVE-2023-5538 is a high-severity Cross-site Scripting (CWE-79) vulnerability in Mrpeng Mpoperationlogs. Its CVSS base score is 7.2 (High).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190); ranked in the top 6.3% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis
The MpOperationLogs plugin for WordPress, through version 1.0.1, contains a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability (CWE-79) that allows injection via IP request headers. The flaw stems from missing input sanitization and output escaping in the plugin's logging and display routines, as reflected in its handling of unauthenticated requests.
Unauthenticated attackers can supply crafted headers that are stored and later rendered when an administrator or other user views the affected logs or IP lists. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary script execution in the victim's browser with a CVSS 7.2 rating driven by network attack vector, low complexity, and no required privileges or user interaction.
EPSS for the issue has remained flat at a peak of 0.1120 since disclosure, indicating limited observed exploitation interest to date. The referenced Wordfence advisory and plugin source listings provide the primary public details, while the upstream repository shows no subsequent remediation activity.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-57850
Vulnerability details
The MpOperationLogs plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the IP Request Headers in versions up to, and including, 1.0.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject…
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arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
Stored XSS in public-facing WordPress plugin enables unauthenticated injection of arbitrary JavaScript (T1059.007) executed in victim browsers upon page access, exploiting the public-facing application (T1190).
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Penetration testing submits XSS payloads to web applications, detecting cross-site scripting flaws for subsequent remediation.
Validates web inputs to reject script-related content that could produce XSS.
Output validation against expected content can reject or sanitize script content in generated web pages, reducing XSS exploitability.