CVE-2023-2173 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-2173 relates to a vulnerability found in the BadgeOS plugin for WordPress, impacting versions up to and including 3.7.1.6. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and authorization checks in specific functions, potentially allowing authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher to delete arbitrary posts.

Understanding CVE-2023-2173

This section will provide insights into the nature of CVE-2023-2173 and its implications.

What is CVE-2023-2173?

CVE-2023-2173 identifies an Insecure Direct Object Reference vulnerability within the BadgeOS plugin for WordPress. The issue resides in the improper validation and authorization checks in certain functions, which could be exploited by authenticated attackers to delete arbitrary posts.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2173

The vulnerability poses a medium severity threat with a CVSS base score of 6.5. If exploited, attackers with a certain level of access can manipulate the plugin's functions to delete posts, potentially disrupting the normal functioning of affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2173

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the BadgeOS plugin for WordPress (versions up to 3.7.1.6) allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher to delete arbitrary posts due to inadequate validation and authorization checks in specific functions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts BadgeOS plugin versions up to and including 3.7.1.6. Users of these versions are at risk of unauthorized post deletions by authenticated attackers with a certain access level.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of proper validation and authorization checks in functions like badgeos_delete_step_ajax_handler, badgeos_delete_award_step_ajax_handler, badgeos_delete_deduct_step_ajax_handler, and badgeos_delete_rank_req_step_ajax_handler, attackers with subscriber-level permissions or above can delete posts through the plugin.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on the actions that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-2173 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of the BadgeOS plugin that contains a patch addressing the vulnerability.
Monitor user permissions and ensure that users have appropriate access levels to mitigate the risk of unauthorized actions.
Regularly review and audit user activities to detect any suspicious behavior related to post deletion.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust security measures, such as strong authentication mechanisms and access controls, to prevent unauthorized access to WordPress plugins.
Conduct routine security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities in plugins and other software components.
Educate users on security best practices to enhance overall security awareness and reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the BadgeOS plugin developers. Timely application of patches is crucial to protect against known vulnerabilities and enhance the security posture of WordPress websites.