CVE-2023-5454 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article discusses CVE-2023-5454, a security vulnerability found in the Templately WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-5454

CVE-2023-5454 is a vulnerability in the Templately WordPress plugin version prior to 2.2.6 that allows unauthenticated users to delete arbitrary posts due to improper authorization in the

saved-templates/delete

REST API call.

What is CVE-2023-5454?

The CVE-2023-5454 vulnerability is categorized as CWE-284 - Improper Access Control. It arises from a lack of proper authorization in a specific REST API call, enabling unauthorized users to delete posts within the system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5454

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to delete important posts on a WordPress site without requiring any authentication, potentially leading to data loss, content manipulation, and disruption of services.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5454

The following technical details outline the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the improper authorization of the

saved-templates/delete

REST API call in the Templately WordPress plugin versions earlier than 2.2.6. This oversight allows unauthorized users to delete posts, posing a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the Templately WordPress plugin versions prior to 2.2.6. Users with these versions installed are at risk of unauthorized post deletion by unauthenticated individuals.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted request to the

saved-templates/delete

API endpoint without the need for authentication. This allows them to delete posts arbitrarily, causing potential harm to the WordPress site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against CVE-2023-5454 and similar vulnerabilities, it is crucial to take immediate actions and implement long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Templately WordPress plugin to version 2.2.6 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor the site for any suspicious activities or unauthorized post deletions.
Consider restricting access to sensitive API endpoints to authorized users only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins, themes, and WordPress core to mitigate security risks.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users on best security practices and the importance of maintaining a secure WordPress environment.

Patching and Updates

The plugin vendor has released version 2.2.6 to address the CVE-2023-5454 vulnerability. It is recommended to promptly update the Templately plugin to the latest version to protect the WordPress site from potential exploitation.