CVE-2023-1979 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-1979 relates to an authentication bypass vulnerability found in the Web Stories for WordPress plugin, which could potentially allow unauthorized users to access protected content on a website. This vulnerability was assigned by Google and was published on May 8, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-1979

The Web Stories for WordPress plugin facilitates the protection of content with a password on WordPress websites. However, a flaw in the plugin's logic allowed users with specific roles to bypass permission checks, granting them access to supposedly restricted content.

What is CVE-2023-1979?

The vulnerability in the Web Stories for WordPress plugin enabled users with the "Author" role to duplicate protected stories in the plugin's dashboard, circumventing the permission check and accessing the content intended to be secured.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1979

This vulnerability, identified as CAPEC-115 Authentication Bypass, poses a medium-level threat with a base CVSS score of 4.9. It primarily impacts the confidentiality of the protected content, allowing unauthorized users to view sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1979

The vulnerability stems from incorrect authorization practices, specifically CWE-863 - Incorrect Authorization, where the plugin failed to enforce proper access controls leading to the bypass.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the Web Stories for WordPress plugin allowed users with the "Author" role to bypass permission checks and access password-protected content by duplicating the stories within the plugin's dashboard.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the Web Stories for WordPress plugin prior to version 1.32.

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users with the "Author" role could exploit this vulnerability by attempting to duplicate password-protected stories within the plugin's dashboard, thereby gaining access to supposedly restricted content.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security measures are crucial to safeguard systems from CVE-2023-1979.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade the Web Stories for WordPress plugin to version 1.32 or beyond to address this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the necessary security updates promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

In addition to patching the plugin, it is essential to enforce proper access controls and regularly review and update user roles and permissions to prevent similar authorization bypass issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2023-1979, users should apply the security patch provided in version 1.32 of the Web Stories for WordPress plugin. Regularly updating plugins and maintaining a robust security posture are vital for overall system security.