CVE-2023-23678
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows CSV injection attacks in the WP Cookie Consent WordPress plugin. Attackers can embed malicious formulas in CSV exports that execute when opened in spreadsheet software like Excel or LibreOffice. All WordPress sites using affected plugin versions are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- WP Cookie Consent (for GDPR, CCPA & ePrivacy) WordPress plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could execute arbitrary commands on victim's computer when they open a malicious CSV file, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Attackers trick administrators into downloading and opening malicious CSV exports, leading to local command execution on the administrator's workstation.
If Mitigated
With proper user awareness training and spreadsheet software security settings, the risk is reduced to potential data manipulation or denial of service.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access to generate CSV exports. CSV injection techniques are well-documented and easy to implement.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.2.6 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'WP Cookie Consent' and click 'Update Now'. 4. Alternatively, download version 2.2.6+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable CSV Export Feature
allTemporarily disable CSV export functionality in the plugin settings
Spreadsheet Software Hardening
windowsConfigure Excel/LibreOffice to disable automatic formula execution
Excel: File → Options → Trust Center → Trust Center Settings → External Content → Disable automatic update of links
LibreOffice: Tools → Options → LibreOffice → Security → Macro Security → Set to 'Very High'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict plugin access to trusted administrators only
- Implement user awareness training about opening CSV files from untrusted sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check plugin version in WordPress admin: Plugins → Installed Plugins → WP Cookie ConsentCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name='WP Cookie Consent' --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 2.2.6 or higher after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple CSV export requests from single user
- Unusual plugin activity patterns
Network Indicators:
- CSV file downloads with suspicious content patterns
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND plugin="wp-cookie-consent" AND action="export_csv"🔗 References
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/gdpr-cookie-consent/wordpress-wp-cookie-notice-for-gdpr-ccpa-eprivacy-consent-plugin-2-2-5-csv-injection-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/gdpr-cookie-consent/wordpress-wp-cookie-notice-for-gdpr-ccpa-eprivacy-consent-plugin-2-2-5-csv-injection-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
