CVE-2023-3053 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability has been identified in the Page Builder by AZEXO plugin for WordPress, allowing authenticated attackers to create a post with any post type and post status. This CVE was discovered by Lana Codes and disclosed on June 2, 2023, with a base severity rating of MEDIUM.

Understanding CVE-2023-3053

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2023-3053 vulnerability affecting the Page Builder by AZEXO plugin for WordPress.

What is CVE-2023-3053?

CVE-2023-3053 is a vulnerability found in the 'azh_add_post' function of the Page Builder by AZEXO plugin for WordPress. The issue arises from a missing capability check, which allows authenticated attackers to manipulate data by creating a post with any post type and post status.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3053

The impact of CVE-2023-3053 is significant as it enables attackers with valid credentials to perform unauthorized actions within the plugin, potentially leading to the creation of malicious posts and content manipulation on affected websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3053

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-3053 vulnerability, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Page Builder by AZEXO plugin for WordPress arises from a lack of proper capability checking on the 'azh_add_post' function, allowing authenticated users to create posts with arbitrary types and statuses.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Page Builder with Image Map by AZEXO plugin is vulnerable to CVE-2023-3053 in versions up to and including 1.27.133. Users operating on these versions are at risk of unauthorized data manipulation by authenticated attackers.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-3053 involves leveraging the missing capability check on the 'azh_add_post' function to create posts with any desired post type and post status, providing attackers with the ability to modify content within the plugin.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2023-3053 vulnerability and enhance the security posture of WordPress websites using the affected plugin, certain mitigation strategies and prevention measures need to be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Page Builder by AZEXO plugin to a secure version beyond 1.27.133 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implementing strong user access controls and monitoring for unauthorized post creation can help prevent exploitation of this issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security audits and code reviews of WordPress plugins can help identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educating users on secure coding practices and permissions management can reduce the risk of unauthorized actions within plugins.

Patching and Updates

Monitoring official plugin repositories for security patches and updates is essential to stay informed about fixes for known vulnerabilities.
Promptly applying patches and updates released by plugin developers can help maintain a secure WordPress environment and prevent exploitation of CVE-2023-3053.