CVE-2023-3713 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-3713 article provides insights into a vulnerability identified in the ProfileGrid plugin for WordPress, potentially exposing websites to unauthorized data modification and privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2023-3713

The vulnerability in the ProfileGrid plugin for WordPress can lead to unauthorized modification of data, enabling attackers with specific permissions to manipulate site options, potentially resulting in privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2023-3713?

The CVE-2023-3713 vulnerability is characterized by a missing capability check on the 'profile_magic_check_smtp_connection' function in versions up to, and including, 5.5.1 of the ProfileGrid plugin for WordPress. This oversight allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher to manipulate site options, leading to potential privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3713

This vulnerability poses a high risk to websites that utilize the ProfileGrid plugin, as it could enable attackers to modify data without proper authorization. As a result, attackers could potentially elevate their privileges within the website, compromising overall security and data integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3713

The following technical details outline the specific aspects of the CVE-2023-3713 vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the ProfileGrid plugin for WordPress arises from a missing capability check within the 'profile_magic_check_smtp_connection' function, allowing authenticated attackers to manipulate site options.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system includes the ProfileGrid plugin for WordPress versions up to, and including, 5.5.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with subscriber-level permissions or above can exploit this vulnerability to update site options arbitrarily, potentially leading to privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2023-3713 vulnerability, consider the following mitigation and prevention measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the ProfileGrid plugin for WordPress to version 5.5.2 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor user permissions and access levels to prevent unauthorized manipulation of site options.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update plugins and themes to address known vulnerabilities promptly.
Implement strict user permission policies to limit access to sensitive site functions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for installed plugins and promptly apply patches to address potential vulnerabilities.
Consider engaging in ongoing security monitoring and testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.