CVE-2023-45635
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages using the WP Darko Responsive Tabs WordPress plugin. When exploited, it can lead to cross-site scripting attacks that steal user sessions or deface websites. All WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of the Responsive Tabs plugin are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WP Darko Responsive Tabs WordPress Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal administrator credentials, take over the WordPress site, install backdoors, or redirect visitors to malicious sites.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal user session cookies, potentially compromising user accounts and performing actions on their behalf.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, the injected scripts would be rendered harmless as text rather than executable code.
🎯 Exploit Status
Basic XSS vulnerabilities are commonly weaponized. The vulnerability requires user interaction (visiting a malicious page) but doesn't require authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.0.6
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/responsive-tabs/wordpress-responsive-tabs-plugin-4-0-6-html-content-injection-vulnerability
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Responsive Tabs' and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify the plugin version shows 4.0.6 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Vulnerable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the Responsive Tabs plugin until it can be updated
wp plugin deactivate responsive-tabs
Implement WAF Rules
allAdd web application firewall rules to block script injection attempts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution
- Use WordPress security plugins with XSS protection features
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins → Responsive Tabs versionCheck Version:
wp plugin get responsive-tabs --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 4.0.6 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests containing script tags to plugin endpoints
- Multiple failed script injection attempts in web server logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with encoded script payloads in parameters
- Traffic patterns showing script injection attempts
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND ("<script" OR "javascript:" OR "onload=" OR "onerror=") AND uri="*/wp-content/plugins/responsive-tabs/*"