CVE-2023-6066 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides an overview of CVE-2023-6066, a security vulnerability identified in the WP Custom Widget Area WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-6066

CVE-2023-6066 is a vulnerability found in the WP Custom Widget Area WordPress plugin version 1.2.5 and below. It is classified under CWE-862 - Missing Authorization. This vulnerability could potentially be exploited by attackers with subscriber+ privilege to manipulate menus on the affected site.

What is CVE-2023-6066?

The CVE-2023-6066 vulnerability in the WP Custom Widget Area plugin enables unauthorized users with subscriber+ privilege to perform actions on menus without the necessary capability and nonce checks. This can lead to the unauthorized creation, deletion, or modification of menus on the website.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6066

The impact of CVE-2023-6066 is significant as it allows attackers with limited privileges to carry out actions that should be restricted to higher-level users. This could result in unauthorized changes to the site's menus, potentially disrupting the user experience or even compromising the site's security.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6066

The following details highlight the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-6066 vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The WP Custom Widget Area WordPress plugin version 1.2.5 and earlier does not properly enforce capability and nonce checks on its AJAX action callback functions. This oversight enables users with subscriber+ privilege to manipulate menus on the site.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects WP Custom Widget Area plugin versions up to and including 1.2.5. Users using these versions are at risk of exploitation if proper measures are not taken to address the issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with subscriber+ privilege can exploit the CVE-2023-6066 vulnerability by leveraging the lack of proper authorization checks in the plugin's AJAX action callback functions. This allows them to perform menu-related actions that should be restricted to higher-privileged users.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2023-6066 requires immediate action and long-term security practices to mitigate the risk of exploitation and safeguard the affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website owners are advised to update the WP Custom Widget Area plugin to a secure version that addresses the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for any unauthorized menu changes can help detect potential exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as regular security audits, user privilege management, and ensuring plugins undergo thorough security assessments, can enhance the overall security posture of the website.

Patching and Updates

Developers of the WP Custom Widget Area plugin have likely released a patch to address the CVE-2023-6066 vulnerability. It is crucial for users to apply this patch promptly to protect their websites from potential exploitation. Regularly updating plugins and maintaining vigilance against security threats is essential for ensuring a secure online presence.