CVE-2023-2781 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published by Wordfence on June 2, 2023, revealing a vulnerability in the User Email Verification for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication and impersonate users, triggering email address verification for arbitrary accounts, including administrative accounts.

Understanding CVE-2023-2781

The User Email Verification for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to an authentication bypass issue in versions up to and including 3.5.0. The weakness lies in the random token generation process in the resend_verification_email function.

What is CVE-2023-2781?

CVE-2023-2781 is a vulnerability in the User Email Verification for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress that enables unauthenticated attackers to impersonate users, triggering email address verification for arbitrary accounts, including administrative accounts. This can lead to unauthorized access and potentially sensitive data exposure.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2781

The impact of CVE-2023-2781 is significant as it allows attackers to exploit the authentication bypass vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, including administrative privileges. This could lead to data compromise, unauthorized actions on the WordPress site, and potential harm to site administrators and users.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2781

The vulnerability description highlights the weakness in the token generation process of the resend_verification_email function within the plugin. The affected version range includes up to version 3.5.0 of the User Email Verification for WooCommerce plugin.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the User Email Verification for WooCommerce plugin allows attackers to impersonate users by exploiting a weakness in the random token generation process, potentially leading to unauthorized access to user accounts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The User Email Verification for WooCommerce plugin versions up to and including 3.5.0 are affected by this vulnerability. Systems using these versions are at risk of unauthorized access and impersonation attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by leveraging the authenticate_user_by_email function within the plugin, allowing them to bypass authentication and impersonate users to trigger email verification for arbitrary accounts.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial for users of the User Email Verification for WooCommerce plugin to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-2781.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable the "Allow Automatic Login After Successful Verification" setting within the plugin to prevent unauthorized automatic logins.
Monitor user accounts and activity closely for any suspicious behavior.
Consider temporarily deactivating the affected plugin until a patch is available.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and themes to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication for added security.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to update the User Email Verification for WooCommerce plugin to a version beyond 3.5.0, where the vulnerability has been remediated. Stay informed about security updates and apply patches promptly to protect your WordPress site from potential threats.

By understanding and addressing CVE-2023-2781, WordPress site owners can enhance the security posture of their online platforms and safeguard against unauthorized access and data breaches.