CVE-2023-47681: Missing Authorization Vulnerability in QuadLayers WooCommerce Checkout Manager Plugin

A major security vulnerability has been discovered in the popular QuadLayers WooCommerce Checkout Manager plugin that leaves thousands of eCommerce websites vulnerable. This plugin is used to manage the checkout process in a WooCommerce store, and the vulnerability affects versions up to and including 7.3.. The identified vulnerability is a Missing Authorization issue, allowing attackers unauthorized access to sensitive data and functionality on affected sites.

To understand the implications and impacts of this vulnerability, it is essential for eCommerce administrators and website owners to be aware of the exploit details, the affected code, and the recommended remediation steps.

Exploit Details

When investigating the WooCommerce Checkout Manager plugin, researchers discovered that a critical vulnerability allows unauthorized users to access sensitive information and functionality. This Missing Authorization vulnerability, CVE-2023-47681, exists due to insufficient authorization checks on certain plugin features, such as the ability to download backups and export custom field data.

Further analysis found that the plugin failed to adequately verify user capabilities or check for the presence of a valid nonce (a unique security token). As a result, attackers could send crafted requests to a vulnerable eCommerce site, successfully bypassing the intended security mechanisms and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or functionality.

Code snippet

The vulnerability exists within the plugin's REST API handling. Below, you can see a code snippet of the affected part:

// REST API endpoint
add_action('rest_api_init', function () {
  register_rest_route('wccm/v1', '/download_backup/', array(
    'methods' => 'POST',
    'callback' => 'wccm_download_backup',
  ));
});

// Backup download function
function wccm_download_backup(WP_REST_Request $request) {
  // No capability check or authorization check
  $file_path = $request->get_param('filepath');

  if (file_exists($file_path)) {
    ...
  }
}

As you can see from the code snippet above, there is no check for user capabilities or authorization in the wccm_download_backup() function. This lack of proper authorization controls allows unauthorized access to sensitive data and functionality.

Original references

- WordPress.org Plugin Page
- QuadLayers WooCommerce Checkout Manager Homepage

Affected Versions

The vulnerability affects the QuadLayers WooCommerce Checkout Manager plugin, versions up to and including 7.3..

To protect your eCommerce site from this vulnerability, it is crucial to take the following steps

1. Update the plugin: Update the QuadLayers WooCommerce Checkout Manager plugin to the latest available version. QuadLayers has released a patched version (7.3.1 or later) that addresses this vulnerability. You can download the updated plugin from the WordPress.org Plugin Page.

2. Regularly check for updates: Ensure that all WordPress plugins are reviewed and updated regularly. This will help to minimize the risk of future vulnerabilities.

3. Use strong user access controls: Implement robust user access controls on your site, including proper authorization checks, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication.

4. Monitor your site: Regularly monitor your site for suspicious activity or unusual behavior. Continuous vigilance is the best defense against malicious activities aimed at exploiting vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The missing authorization vulnerability, CVE-2023-47681, affecting the QuadLayers WooCommerce Checkout Manager plugin poses a significant risk to eCommerce site owners. By following the recommended remediation steps and regularly conducting security audits and updates, site administrators can minimize the potential impact and keep their websites secure from unauthorized access or data breaches.

Timeline

Published on: 06/19/2024 12:15:11 UTC
Last modified on: 07/02/2024 17:05:07 UTC