CVE-2023-44148: Missing Authorization Vulnerability in Brainstorm Force Astra Bulk Edit - Exploit Details, Code Snippets, and Original References

The CVE-2023-44148 vulnerability affects the Brainstorm Force Astra Bulk Edit plugin, which is widely used for bulk editing Astra theme's settings in WordPress websites. This missing authorization vulnerability allows unauthorized users to access, modify or potentially delete sensitive information. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the CVE-2023-44148 vulnerability, its impact on WordPress sites using the Astra Bulk Edit plugin, and steps you can take to mitigate the risk it poses. The vulnerability affects Astra Bulk Edit versions up to 1.2.7.

Exploit Details

The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper authorization checks in the plugin's code, allowing unauthorized access to the functionality meant for administrators. An attacker may exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to a vulnerable site, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control of the site's settings and data.

Consider the following code snippet from the vulnerable plugin

function process_bulk_edit() {
  // Check the nonce.
 if ( ! wp_verify_nonce( $_POST['_wpnonce'], 'bulk-posts' ) ) {
    return;
 }

 // Get the post IDs.
 $post_ids = ( isset( $_POST['post'] ) ) ? $_POST['post'] : array();
...
 }

As shown above, the code does not properly verify the user's authorization permissions. An attacker can therefore bypass these checks and manipulate the target site's settings, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

Original References

[1] CVE-2023-44148: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-44148

[2] Astra Bulk Edit Plugin Homepage: https://wpastra.com/wordpress-plugins/astra-bulk-edit/

[3] WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Database: https://wpvulndb.com/

To protect your site against the CVE-2023-44148 vulnerability, follow these steps

1. Update the Astra Bulk Edit plugin to the latest version: The developers of the plugin have released a patch that fixes the vulnerability. Ensure that you are using the most recent version of the plugin (1.2.7 or higher) to minimize the risk of exploitation.

2. Enforce strong user authentication and permission policies: Limit access to your site's admin area by implementing strong password requirements, two-factor authentication, and proper user roles and capabilities. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your site's functionality, even if an attacker manages to exploit the vulnerability.

3. Monitor your site for suspicious activity: Keep an eye on your site's log files and activity history to detect any signs of unauthorized access or malicious activity. Regularly scan your site for signs of compromise using a security scanner, such as Wordfence or Sucuri Security.

4. Keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins up-to-date: Regularly updating your software can help prevent security issues. Be aware of any new vulnerabilities discovered in the software you use and take necessary precautions, such as updating to patched versions or installing alternative plugins.

Conclusion

The CVE-2023-44148 missing authorization vulnerability in the Brainstorm Force Astra Bulk Edit plugin is a serious issue that could lead to unauthorized access and control of a WordPress site. Site owners using this plugin should ensure they take appropriate measures, such as updating to the latest plugin version and maintaining strong authentication and permission policies, to protect their sites from potential exploitation.

Timeline

Published on: 06/19/2024 12:15:10 UTC
Last modified on: 06/21/2024 14:45:49 UTC