CVE-2023-23983 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE, assigned on February 28, 2023, impacts the WordPress Responsive Vertical Icon Menu Plugin version 1.5.8 and below. It involves a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability that can lead to theme deletion if exploited.

Understanding CVE-2023-23983

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-23983 vulnerability affecting the WordPress Responsive Vertical Icon Menu Plugin.

What is CVE-2023-23983?

CVE-2023-23983 is a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability found in the wpdevart Responsive Vertical Icon Menu plugin version 1.5.8 and below. This vulnerability can be exploited to execute unauthorized actions, such as theme deletion.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23983

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as "CAPEC-62 Cross Site Request Forgery." Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized changes in the settings of the affected WordPress site, potentially resulting in theme deletion.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23983

This section provides technical insights into the CVE-2023-23983 vulnerability, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the wpdevart Responsive Vertical Icon Menu plugin version 1.5.8 and below allows for Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks, enabling malicious actors to perform unauthorized actions, such as theme deletion.

Affected Systems and Versions

The wpdevart Responsive Vertical Icon Menu plugin version 1.5.8 and prior are affected by this vulnerability. Users with these plugin versions installed on their WordPress sites are at risk of CSRF attacks leading to potential theme deletion.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-23983 involves crafting malicious requests that trick authenticated users into unknowingly executing unauthorized actions, such as theme deletion, when interacting with the vulnerable plugin.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-23983, immediate actions and long-term security practices need to be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the wpdevart Responsive Vertical Icon Menu plugin to version 1.5.9 or higher to patch the CSRF vulnerability and prevent potential theme deletion on your WordPress site.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update WordPress plugins and themes to ensure you are using the latest, secure versions. Implement strong authentication mechanisms and consider employing web application firewalls to enhance security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for plugin updates and promptly apply patches released by the plugin developer to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-23983. Stay informed about security best practices and prioritize security measures to safeguard your WordPress site.