CVE-2023-3155 : What You Need to Know

This CVE, assigned by WPScan, involves a vulnerability in the NextGEN Gallery WordPress plugin that allows for Arbitrary File Read and Delete. It was published on October 16, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-3155

This section will provide an overview of the CVE-2023-3155 vulnerability and its impact, along with technical details and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-3155?

CVE-2023-3155 pertains to a vulnerability in the WordPress Gallery Plugin before version 3.39. It is susceptible to Arbitrary File Read and Delete due to inadequate input parameter validation in the

gallery_edit

function. This flaw could enable malicious actors to access arbitrary resources on the server.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3155

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to read and delete files arbitrarily on affected servers. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or disruption of services.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3155

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the WordPress Gallery Plugin stems from the lack of input parameter validation in the

gallery_edit

function. This oversight enables attackers to perform Arbitrary File Read and Delete actions, compromising the security of the plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

The NextGEN Gallery WordPress plugin versions prior to 3.39 are impacted by CVE-2023-3155. Users running versions less than 3.39 are at risk of exploitation until the vulnerability is addressed.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the lack of input validation in the

gallery_edit

function to manipulate file operations and gain unauthorized access to sensitive files on the server.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps organizations and users can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-3155 and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update the NextGEN Gallery plugin to version 3.39 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor server logs and file activities for any signs of unauthorized access or file deletions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employ secure coding practices to validate input parameters and prevent common vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address any vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by plugin developers and promptly apply patches to ensure the plugins are secure.
Consider implementing a robust patch management process to streamline the deployment of security updates across all plugins and software components.