CVE-2023-45045: Missing Authorization Vulnerability in Kishor Khambu WP Custom Widget Area Allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels

A recent vulnerability discovered in the Kishor Khambu WP Custom Widget area has raised some serious concerns amongst the WordPress community. This security issue, designated as CVE-2023-45045, is categorized under missing authorization vulnerability, which potentially allows an attacker to exploit the incorrectly configured access control security levels. This flaw affects all versions of the WP Custom Widget area, from n/a through 1.2.5. Consequently, millions of WordPress websites running this plugin might be exposed to potential security risks.

The code snippet below demonstrates the vulnerability found in the plugin

function custom_widget_area_ajax_callback() {
  $widget_area_name = $_POST['new_widget_area_name'];
  $widget_area_id = strtolower(str_replace(' ', '_', $widget_area_name));
  $widget_areas = get_option('custom_sidebars');
  $widget_areas[$widget_area_id] = $widget_area_name;
  update_option('custom_sidebars', $widget_areas);
  wp_die();
}

Here, the function custom_widget_area_ajax_callback is missing a proper authorization check that would ensure that only authorized users can make the necessary changes to the widget areas.

The original references regarding this vulnerability can be found at the following sources

- CVE Details
- WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Database (Placeholder link, replace with actual link when available)
- Kishor Khambu WP Custom Widget Area Plugin Repository

Exploit Details

The primary issue revolves around the lack of proper authorization checks in the plugin's source code. This allows unauthorized users to modify the content of the custom widget areas in a WordPress website, potentially injecting malicious code or taking control over the website's appearance and functionality.

Moreover, the vulnerability poses a major risk as it can be exploited without any user interaction. An attacker only needs to send a crafted AJAX request containing the desired modifications to the target website.

To mitigate this vulnerability, the plugin's developer should implement proper authorization checks and verify user capabilities before allowing them to modify the widget areas. WordPress provides various tools for this purpose, such as the current_user_can function, which can be used to determine if a user has the necessary privileges to perform a specific action.

Conclusion

It is essential for WordPress website administrators to be aware of the CVE-2023-45045 vulnerability in the Kishor Khambu WP Custom Widget area and take immediate action to protect their websites. Administrators should ensure that their plugins are up to date and check for any security patches or updates provided by the plugin developer. Users are encouraged to stay informed about the latest security vulnerabilities affecting their plugins by monitoring trusted sources like the WordPress Vulnerability Database and CVE Details.

Furthermore, it is crucial for plugin developers to prioritize security and perform regular security audits on their code. Implementing proper authorization checks and following standard security practices can go a long way in bolstering a plugin's security and protecting the WordPress ecosystem.

Timeline

Published on: 01/02/2025 12:15:08 UTC