CVE-2023-5953 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides insights into CVE-2023-5953, a vulnerability present in the Welcart e-Commerce WordPress plugin prior to version 2.9.5.

Understanding CVE-2023-5953

CVE-2023-5953 is a security flaw found in the Welcart e-Commerce plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows authenticated users, like subscribers, to upload arbitrary files, including PHP files, to the server.

What is CVE-2023-5953?

The vulnerability in the Welcart e-Commerce plugin (versions prior to 2.9.5) arises from a lack of validation for uploaded files and insufficient authorization and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection during AJAX file uploads.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5953

Due to this vulnerability, malicious actors could potentially upload harmful files to the server, leading to arbitrary code execution, unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security risks for the affected WordPress websites using the Welcart e-Commerce plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5953

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the Welcart e-Commerce plugin allows authenticated users, specifically subscribers, to upload files without proper validation, enabling them to upload malicious PHP files to the server.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Welcart e-Commerce plugin versions prior to 2.9.5.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves an authenticated user leveraging the lack of file validation and authorization in the plugin's AJAX file upload mechanism to upload malicious files, potentially compromising the server.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-5953, consider implementing the following measures to enhance the security of your WordPress website utilizing the Welcart e-Commerce plugin:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to the latest version of the Welcart e-Commerce plugin (2.9.5) to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor file uploads and user activities on the WordPress site to detect any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforce strong password policies for user accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Educate users on safe file uploading practices and the importance of avoiding potentially harmful files.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the Welcart e-Commerce plugin and promptly apply patches released by the plugin developer to safeguard your website against potential vulnerabilities.