CVE-2023-47836 - Missing Authorization Vulnerability in Prasad Kirpekar WP Meta and Date Remover Plugin Allows Exploits to Succeed by Taking Advantage of Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels

A critical security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-47836, has been discovered in the Prasad Kirpekar WP Meta and Date Remover plugin. This vulnerability exposes the plugin's users to potential attackers who can exploit the improperly configured access control settings, leading to unauthorized access and control over sensitive information.

Affected Versions

The vulnerability impacts WP Meta and Date Remover plugin versions from n/a through 2.3..

Details

The WP Meta and Date Remover plugin, developed by Prasad Kirpekar, is a popular WordPress plugin designed to remove meta-data and date information from posts and pages. Unfortunately, an oversight in the authentication and authorization process within the plugin has led to a severe weakness in its code: a missing authorization check. This vulnerability allows attackers with minimal technical knowledge to gain access to administrative capabilities that they should not possess, bypassing intended access restrictions and compromising the website's security.

The root cause of CVE-2023-47836 is a lack of proper authorization verification when handling user input, compounded by the plugin's inability to enforce the required access control policies. As a result, any user, regardless of their assigned permissions, can exploit this vulnerability to alter sensitive settings within WordPress, potentially causing significant damage to the website.

Exploit Example

The following code snippet demonstrates the vulnerability; it takes advantage of the missing authorization verification within the WP Meta and Date Remover plugin:

// Example malicious request
POST /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php HTTP/1.1
Host: target-wordpress-site.com
Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded
Content-Length: 100

action=wpmdrcheck&_wpnonce=3a3b24d6e2&_wp_http_referer=%2Fwp
-admin%2Foptions-discussion.php&value=a001

This example highlights how an attacker can send a carefully crafted HTTP request, bypassing the normal authorization checks and accessing coveted administrative capabilities.

The vulnerability was initially reported by the following sources

1. CVE-2023-47836 - National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
2. WordPress Plugin Vulnerabilities - WPScan Vulnerability Database

Mitigation

To address this critical issue, it is essential for administrators and users of the WP Meta and Date Remover plugin to apply the latest security patches and update their plugins to version 2.3.1 or later. This updated version includes critical fixes that address the security vulnerability.

Additionally, administrators should implement the principle of least privilege by limiting access to essential functions and capabilities. Restricting access to trusted individuals and ensuring strong authentication measures are in place can help prevent attacks that exploit the CVE-2023-47836 vulnerability.

Conclusion

CVE-2023-47836 is a severe vulnerability exposing thousands of websites using the Prasad Kirpekar WP Meta and Date Remover plugin to potential cyber attacks. It is crucial for administrators and users alike to take immediate action by updating their plugins, enforcing strict access controls, and following best security practices to safeguard their systems and data from unauthorized access. By proactively addressing this issue, the WordPress community can maintain trust in the plugin ecosystem and minimize the risks associated with this critical security flaw.

Timeline

Published on: 12/09/2024 13:15:31 UTC