CVE-2023-2189 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-2189 involves a vulnerability in the Elementor Addons, Widgets and Enhancements – Stax plugin for WordPress, which allows for unauthorized modification of data by authenticated attackers.

Understanding CVE-2023-2189

This section will delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-2189, including its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-2189?

The Elementor Addons, Widgets and Enhancements – Stax plugin for WordPress is susceptible to unauthorized data modification due to a missing capability check on the toggle_widget function in versions up to 1.4.3. This enables attackers with at least subscriber-level permissions to manipulate Elementor widgets.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2189

The vulnerability in the Stax plugin could lead to unauthorized changes in data within affected WordPress websites. Attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher can exploit this flaw to enable or disable Elementor widgets, potentially causing disruptions or unauthorized modifications.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2189

Understanding the technical aspects of CVE-2023-2189 is crucial for comprehending its implications and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a missing capability check on the toggle_widget function in versions up to 1.4.3 of the Elementor Addons, Widgets and Enhancements – Stax plugin. This oversight allows authenticated attackers to manipulate Elementor widgets, posing a risk of unauthorized data modifications.

Affected Systems and Versions

The security flaw impacts versions up to and including 1.4.3 of the Elementor Addons, Widgets and Enhancements – Stax plugin for WordPress. Sites utilizing these versions are vulnerable to unauthorized data modifications by authenticated attackers with specific permissions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher can leverage the vulnerability in the Stax plugin to enable or disable Elementor widgets, potentially leading to unauthorized data modifications within WordPress sites.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-2189 promptly is crucial to safeguard WordPress sites from potential unauthorized data modifications. Implementing effective mitigation measures and security best practices is essential to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the Elementor Addons, Widgets and Enhancements – Stax plugin to a secure version beyond 1.4.3 to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for any suspicious activity or unauthorized changes is recommended to promptly identify and address potential security breaches.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating plugins and software, enforcing the principle of least privilege for user permissions, and conducting security audits are long-term practices that can enhance the overall security posture of WordPress websites.

Patching and Updates

Vendor-provided patches or updates addressing the vulnerability should be applied promptly to ensure the security of WordPress sites using the Elementor Addons, Widgets and Enhancements – Stax plugin. Stay informed about security advisories and updates from trusted sources to mitigate risks effectively.