CVE-2023-4243 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-4243, including its description, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-4243

CVE-2023-4243 is a vulnerability found in the FULL - Customer plugin for WordPress, which can lead to Arbitrary File Upload through the /install-plugin REST route in versions up to and including 2.2.3. The issue arises due to improper authorization, allowing authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions and above to execute malicious code by installing plugins from remote locations not limited to repository sources.

What is CVE-2023-4243?

The CVE-2023-4243 vulnerability affects the FULL - Customer plugin for WordPress, enabling attackers to upload arbitrary files through a specific REST route on the affected versions of the plugin. This flaw results from inadequate authorization controls, permitting authenticated malicious users to install plugins from remote locations, potentially leading to site compromise.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4243

The impact of CVE-2023-4243 is high, as it allows attackers with specific permissions to upload and execute malicious code on a WordPress site using the vulnerable FULL - Customer plugin. This unauthorized file upload capability poses a severe risk to the integrity and security of the affected websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4243

The technical details of CVE-2023-4243 encompass the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the FULL - Customer plugin for WordPress arises from improper authorization controls that enable authenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files via the /install-plugin REST route. This can result in the execution of unauthorized code on the website.

Affected Systems and Versions

The FULL - Customer plugin versions up to and including 2.2.3 are impacted by CVE-2023-4243. Websites using these versions of the plugin are susceptible to arbitrary file uploads by authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions and higher.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-4243 involves leveraging the improper authorization flaw in the FULL - Customer plugin to upload malicious files through the /install-plugin REST route. Attackers can then execute unauthorized code on the target WordPress site, potentially compromising its security.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-4243, immediate action must be taken to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability. Implementing effective security practices can help prevent exploitation and safeguard WordPress websites against such threats.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the FULL - Customer plugin to a patched version that addresses the Arbitrary File Upload vulnerability.
Monitor user permissions and restrict plugin installation to authorized administrators only.
Conduct security audits to detect any unauthorized plugin installations on the WordPress site.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and themes to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Enforce least privilege access to prevent unauthorized file uploads and installations.
Educate users on safe WordPress practices and security best practices to minimize risks.

Patching and Updates

Developers of the FULL - Customer plugin have released a fix for CVE-2023-4243 in updated versions beyond 2.2.3. Website administrators are strongly advised to apply these patches promptly to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance the security posture of their WordPress sites.