CVE-2023-0719 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE affects the Wicked Folders plugin for WordPress, making it vulnerable to an authorization bypass due to a missing capability check on a specific function.

Understanding CVE-2023-0719

This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions and above to perform actions intended for administrators by invoking a particular function in the plugin.

What is CVE-2023-0719?

CVE-2023-0719 is a vulnerability in the Wicked Folders plugin for WordPress that enables authenticated attackers to bypass authorization checks and execute actions typically reserved for administrators.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0719

The impact of this CVE is that attackers with lower-level permissions can manipulate folder structures within the plugin, potentially leading to unauthorized modifications and disruptions in the folder organization maintained by the plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0719

The vulnerability lies in the ajax_save_sort_order function in Wicked Folders plugin versions up to and including 2.18.16. Attackers with authenticated access and subscriber-level permissions can exploit this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from a missing capability check in the ajax_save_sort_order function, allowing attackers to perform administrative actions without the necessary permissions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Wicked Folders plugin versions up to and including 2.18.16. Users of these versions are at risk of unauthorized access and modifications by authenticated attackers with lower-level permissions.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the missing capability check on the ajax_save_sort_order function, attackers can manipulate and disrupt the folder structure maintained by the Wicked Folders plugin without appropriate authorization.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-0719, immediate actions should be taken by users of the affected Wicked Folders plugin versions.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Wicked Folders plugin to a version beyond 2.18.16 to eliminate the vulnerability.
Monitor plugin updates and security advisories to stay informed about patches and fixes for known vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and audit plugin permissions and capabilities to ensure secure access control.
Implement the principle of least privilege for user roles and permissions to reduce the risk of unauthorized actions.

Patching and Updates

Stay proactive in applying security patches and updates released by the plugin developer to address vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the WordPress environment.