CVE-2023-5417 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-5417 advisory focuses on a vulnerability found in the Funnelforms Free plugin for WordPress, which allows for unauthorized modification of data, potentially impacting websites using this plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-5417

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-5417, shedding light on the nature and implications of the vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-5417?

The CVE-2023-5417 vulnerability pertains to the Funnelforms Free plugin for WordPress. The issue arises from a missing capability check on the

fnsf_update_category

function in versions up to and including 3.4. This flaw enables authenticated attackers, possessing subscriber-level permissions or higher, to alter the Funnelforms category for a specific post ID.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5417

As a consequence of this vulnerability, attackers with the necessary permissions can manipulate data within the Funnelforms Free plugin, potentially leading to unauthorized modifications and data tampering on affected websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5417

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-5417, including its vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Funnelforms Free plugin for WordPress allows authenticated attackers with certain permissions to modify the Funnelforms category associated with a specific post ID, leading to potential unauthorized data alterations.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Funnelforms Free plugin versions up to and including 3.4 are susceptible to this vulnerability, making websites utilizing these versions of the plugin potentially at risk of data manipulation by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the missing capability check on the

fnsf_update_category

function, enabling them to tamper with the Funnelforms category for a given post ID.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section aims to provide guidance on mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-5417, including immediate steps to take and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the Funnelforms Free plugin to a patched version, implement least privilege access controls, and monitor for any suspicious activities related to the Funnelforms category.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall website security, it is recommended to regularly update plugins, enforce strong password policies, conduct security audits, and stay informed about cybersecurity best practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Developers of the Funnelforms Free plugin have likely released a patch to address the vulnerability. Website owners should promptly apply these patches, ensuring that their plugin version is updated to a secure iteration that mitigates the risk posed by CVE-2023-5417.