CVE-2023-5425 : What You Need to Know

The Post Meta Data Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the pmdm_wp_change_user_meta and pmdm_wp_change_post_meta functions in versions up to, and including, 1.2.0. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level permissions and above, to gain elevated (e.g., administrator) privileges. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-5425 and assigned by Wordfence, has been published on October 28, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-5425

The vulnerability refers to a security issue in the Post Meta Data Manager plugin for WordPress. It allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions and above to modify data without proper authorization checks. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can potentially gain elevated privileges, such as administrator access.

What is CVE-2023-5425?

CVE-2023-5425 is a vulnerability found in the Post Meta Data Manager plugin for WordPress. It arises from the lack of a capability check on important functions within the plugin, namely pmdm_wp_change_user_meta and pmdm_wp_change_post_meta. As a result, attackers who are logged in with subscriber-level permissions or higher can manipulate data and potentially gain unauthorized access to administrative privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5425

The impact of CVE-2023-5425 is significant, as it allows authenticated attackers to perform unauthorized modifications of data. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can potentially escalate their privileges and gain administrative control over the affected WordPress site. This could lead to further compromise of the website's resources, manipulation of content, or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5425

The Post Meta Data Manager plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 1.2.0 are affected by CVE-2023-5425. The vulnerability occurs due to the absence of necessary capability checks on the "pmdm_wp_change_user_meta" and "pmdm_wp_change_post_meta" functions. This allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher to modify data and gain elevated privileges.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a missing capability check in the Post Meta Data Manager plugin for WordPress. The affected functions, "pmdm_wp_change_user_meta" and "pmdm_wp_change_post_meta," do not adequately verify the permissions of authenticated users. As a result, attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher can manipulate data without proper authorization checks, potentially gaining administrator-level privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Post Meta Data Manager plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 1.2.0 are affected by CVE-2023-5425.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-5425 requires an authenticated attacker with subscriber-level permissions or higher. By leveraging the vulnerability, an attacker can modify data without appropriate authorization checks. This manipulation of data can lead to unauthorized access and the potential elevation of privileges to gain administrative control over the affected WordPress site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5425, immediate steps should be taken to address the vulnerability and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Post Meta Data Manager plugin for WordPress to the latest version available. Ensure that the plugin is updated to a version beyond 1.2.0 to eliminate the vulnerability.
If you are unable to update the plugin immediately, consider disabling or removing it temporarily until a fix can be applied.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance the overall security of your WordPress site and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future, consider the following practices:

Regularly update all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core to their latest versions. This ensures that you have the latest security patches and fixes.
Monitor security advisories and subscribe to notifications from plugin developers and security organizations.
Implement a strong password policy for all user accounts on your WordPress site.
Restrict user privileges to minimize the potential impact of compromised accounts.
Regularly backup your WordPress site and database to ensure you can restore them in case of a security incident.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to apply any available patches or updates for the Post Meta Data Manager plugin for WordPress. Keeping the plugin up to date will help eliminate the vulnerability and ensure the security of your WordPress site. Regularly check for updates from the plugin developer and apply them promptly to stay protected against potential threats.

By following these mitigation steps and implementing long-term security practices, you can reduce the risk associated with CVE-2023-5425 and safeguard your WordPress site from unauthorized access and potential privilege escalation.