CVE-2023-47778 – Exploiting Missing Authorization Vulnerability in LuckyWP Scripts Control: Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels

In this long read post, we will discuss the CVE-2023-47778 vulnerability that affects the LuckyWP Scripts Control WordPress plugin. This plugin is commonly used for adding scripts and styles to WordPress sites, thereby improving performance and user experience. We will look at how the Missing Authorization Vulnerability affects this plugin, highlight code snippets for better understanding, share links to original references, and present details about how the vulnerability can be exploited.

Overview

The CVE-2023-47778 vulnerability affects the LuckyWP Scripts Control plugin – specifically versions up to 1.2.1. The vulnerability is categorized as a Missing Authorization Vulnerability, which occurs when an application does not properly enforce a user's access control level to certain resources or functions. In this case, the vulnerability allows attackers to exploit improperly configured access control security levels within the plugin.

Exploit Details

The main aspect of this vulnerability lies in the fact that the plugin does not properly check permissions while performing certain actions, allowing unauthorized users to execute potentially harmful tasks.

Here is a code snippet that showcases a typical implementation of the plugin

/* Plugin Name:LuckyWP Scripts Control */
...
register_activation_hook(__FILE__, 'lwpsc_activate');
register_deactivation_hook(__FILE__, 'lwpsc_deactivate');

The problematic aspect of these lines is that the plugin hooks certain functions to activate and deactivate without any explicit access control checks.

This oversight can lead to the possibility where an unprivileged user can exploit this vulnerability to alter the website's configurations and gain unauthorized access, which can cause significant harm to the website and its visitors.

Mitigation

Users are advised to update the LuckyWP Scripts Control plugin to the latest version, which has resolved this vulnerability. Plugin authors have introduced permission checks in version 1.2.1:

if (! current_user_can('manage_options')) {
    return;
}

As seen in the above code snippet, the current_user_can('manage_options') function is now used to prevent unauthorized users from executing the vulnerable actions.

In addition, website administrators should follow best practices for securely configuring their WordPress installations, such as properly setting user permissions, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating plugins and WordPress core.

For complete details on this vulnerability (CVE-2023-47778), you can refer to the following sources

1. Official CVE record – You will find the basic description, affected versions, and references related to the vulnerability.
2. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) – This is a comprehensive and regularly updated database that provides information about the vulnerability, as well as its impact, assessment, and fixes.
3. LuckyWP Scripts Control WordPress Plugin – This is the official page for the LuckyWP Scripts Control plugin, where you can find the latest version of the plugin along with technical documentation and updates from the developers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CVE-2023-47778 vulnerability in the LuckyWP Scripts Control WordPress plugin is a serious security flaw caused by missing authorization checks. Website administrators must update the plugin to the latest version and follow best practices for securing their WordPress installation. By doing so, they can protect their website from unauthorized access and potential harm. It is crucial for plugin developers and website administrators to be diligent in configuring and maintaining access control levels, to safeguard their applications and users from security threats.

Stay vigilant, and keep your online presence secure!

Timeline

Published on: 01/02/2025 15:15:20 UTC