CVE-2023-2180 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-2180, including its description, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-2180

CVE-2023-2180 refers to a vulnerability in the KIWIZ Invoices Certification & PDF System WordPress plugin, allowing unauthenticated attackers to perform an arbitrary file download.

What is CVE-2023-2180?

The CVE-2023-2180 vulnerability arises due to the lack of proper validation of file paths within the KIWIZ Invoices Certification & PDF System plugin. This oversight enables unauthenticated attackers to read/download arbitrary files and potentially execute PHAR unserialization if they can upload a file to the server.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2180

The impact of CVE-2023-2180 is significant as it opens the door for unauthorized access to sensitive files on the server, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized disclosure, or further exploitation of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2180

The technical details of CVE-2023-2180 shed light on the vulnerability, affected systems, and how the exploitation can be carried out.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the KIWIZ Invoices Certification & PDF System plugin allows attackers to sidestep file path validation, leading to unauthenticated arbitrary file downloads and potential PHAR unserialization on the server.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted system is the KIWIZ Invoices Certification & PDF System plugin, specifically versions 0 through 2.1.3. Any installations within this version range are vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can take advantage of the lack of file path validation in the KIWIZ plugin to download arbitrary files without authentication. Additionally, if they can upload a file to the server, they may be able to perform PHAR unserialization attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-2180 requires immediate action to prevent unauthorized access to critical files and data. Implementing mitigation strategies and security best practices can help secure the affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the vulnerable KIWIZ Invoices Certification & PDF System plugin.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.
Regularly update and patch all software components to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans.
Implement access controls and authentication mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access.
Educate users and administrators about security best practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the KIWIZ Invoices Certification & PDF System plugin is updated to a version that addresses the vulnerability. Stay informed about security patches released by the plugin developer and apply them promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.