PatchTheCVECVE-2023-1020: The Steveas WP Live Chat Shoutbox WordPress plugin through 1.4.2 does not sanitise and escape a parameter befo
CVE-2023-1020 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting wp live chat shoutbox. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The Steveas WP Live Chat Shoutbox WordPress plugin through 1.4.2 does not sanitise and escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement via an AJAX action available to unauthenticated users, leading to a SQL injection.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 4.9% (top 8%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Published | 2023-04-24 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- Nuclei scan template: Steveas WP Live Chat Shoutbox <= 1.4.2 - SQL Injection
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2023-1020?
wp live chat shoutbox: upgrade to newer than 1.4.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2023-1020 being exploited?
CVE-2023-1020 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2023-1020 affect?
CVE-2023-1020 affects wp live chat shoutbox. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The Steveas WP Live Chat Shoutbox WordPress plugin through 1.4.2 does not sanitise and escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement via an AJAX action available to unauthenticated users, leading to a SQL injection.
How urgent is CVE-2023-1020?
Priority 67/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
Software pages
Related CVEs
- CVE-2023-0899 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE The Steveas WP Live Chat Shoutbox WordPress plugin through 1.4.2 does not sanitise and escape a parameter befo