CVE-2023-6496 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This is a detailed analysis of CVE-2023-6496, including an overview of the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-6496

CVE-2023-6496 refers to a vulnerability found in the Manage Notification E-mails plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to access plugin settings through a specific function.

What is CVE-2023-6496?

The Manage Notification E-mails plugin for WordPress is susceptible to Missing Authorization in versions up to and including 1.8.5. Attackers can exploit the

card_famne_export_settings

function to retrieve plugin settings without proper authorization.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6496

This vulnerability poses a medium risk, with a base score of 5.3 (Medium severity) according to the CVSS v3.1 base metrics. Unauthorized users can potentially access sensitive plugin settings, leading to a compromise of user data and website integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6496

The following technical details provide insight into the vulnerability's description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Manage Notification E-mails plugin for WordPress arises from improper authorization (CWE-285). The specific function

card_famne_export_settings

lacks proper authentication controls, enabling unauthorized access to plugin settings.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Manage Notification E-mails plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 1.8.5 are impacted by CVE-2023-6496. Users utilizing these versions are susceptible to unauthorized access by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the vulnerable

card_famne_export_settings

function, unauthenticated attackers can exploit the Missing Authorization flaw to obtain plugin settings without legitimate permissions. This exploitation can lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-6496 effectively, it is crucial to follow immediate steps, establish long-term security practices, and prioritize patching and updates for the affected plugin.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the Manage Notification E-mails plugin if immediate updates are not feasible.
Monitor plugin activity and user permissions to detect any unauthorized access attempts.
Consider restricting access to sensitive plugin functionalities until a patch is available.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and ensure they come from trusted sources.
Implement robust authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
Conduct security audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by the plugin developer. Apply patches promptly to secure your WordPress installation and prevent exploitation of CVE-2023-6496.