CVE-2023-0814 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-0814 relates to a vulnerability found in the Profile Builder – User Profile & User Registration Forms plugin for WordPress, allowing sensitive information disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2023-0814

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2023-0814 vulnerability, including its impact, technical description, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-0814?

The Profile Builder – User Profile & User Registration Forms plugin for WordPress is susceptible to confidential information exposure through the [user_meta] shortcode in versions up to and including 3.9.0. The issue arises from inadequate restrictions on sensitive user meta values that can be accessed via the mentioned shortcode. This deficiency enables authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher to extract sensitive user meta data, potentially leading to unauthorized access to a highly privileged user account. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability necessitates the activation of the Usermeta shortcode.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0814

With a CVSS base score of 6.5, classified as MEDIUM severity, this vulnerability presents a concerning risk as it allows authenticated attackers to access sensitive data, potentially compromising user confidentiality and system integrity. The ability to escalate privileges by exploiting this vulnerability can have far-reaching consequences for affected WordPress sites utilizing the vulnerable plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0814

Exploring the technical intricacies of CVE-2023-0814 provides crucial insights into the vulnerability's specifics, helping users and administrators understand the exploit mechanism, affected systems, and versions.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Profile Builder – User Profile & User Registration Forms plugin arises from the inadequate restriction on sensitive user meta values accessible via the [user_meta] shortcode, leading to potential information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions up to and including 3.9.0 of the Profile Builder plugin are affected by this vulnerability. Sites utilizing these vulnerable versions are at risk of sensitive information exposure.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher can exploit the vulnerability by leveraging the Usermeta shortcode to extract sensitive user meta data, paving the way for unauthorized access to high privileged user accounts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the steps to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-0814 can aid in safeguarding WordPress websites from potential exploitation and data breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Profile Builder plugin to a secure version that addresses the vulnerability.
Consider temporarily disabling the Usermeta shortcode until a patch is applied to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and themes to ensure the latest security patches are in place.
Conduct security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from plugin developers and promptly apply patches and updates to mitigate emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Regularly monitor the security posture of WordPress installations to prevent potential exploits.