CVE-2023-1335 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-1335 was published by Wordfence on March 10, 2023. It involves the RapidLoad Power-Up for Autoptimize plugin for WordPress, which is susceptible to unauthorized plugin settings update. The vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 1.7.1, allowing authenticated attackers with subscriber-level access to connect a new license key to the site.

Understanding CVE-2023-1335

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-1335, outlining its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-1335?

CVE-2023-1335 pertains to a missing capability check on the

ucss_connect

function within the RapidLoad Power-Up for Autoptimize plugin for WordPress. This oversight enables attackers with limited access to modify plugin settings and attach a new license key to the site.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1335

The vulnerability in the RapidLoad Power-Up for Autoptimize plugin poses a medium severity risk, with a CVSS base score of 4.3. Attackers could leverage this flaw to manipulate plugin settings, potentially compromising the security and functionality of affected WordPress sites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1335

Exploring the vulnerability further to understand its nature and scope in affected systems.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the absence of a proper capability check in the

ucss_connect

function, allowing attackers with lower privileges to perform unauthorized actions within the plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the RapidLoad Power-Up for Autoptimize plugin up to and including 1.7.1. Sites utilizing these versions are at risk of unauthorized updates to plugin settings.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with subscriber-level access can exploit CVE-2023-1335 by leveraging the missing capability check to connect a new license key to the affected site, potentially leading to unauthorized modifications.

Mitigation and Prevention

Guidance on how to address and safeguard against CVE-2023-1335 to enhance the security posture of WordPress installations.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators are advised to update the RapidLoad Power-Up for Autoptimize plugin to versions beyond 1.7.1 or implement alternative security measures to mitigate the risk of unauthorized plugin setting updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating robust user access controls, regular security audits, and timely plugin updates can help prevent similar vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security resilience of WordPress sites.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring the timely installation of security patches and updates for plugins, themes, and core WordPress components is crucial to addressing known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-1335 and maintaining a secure digital environment.