CVE-2023-51477 - Improper Authentication Vulnerability in BuddyBoss Theme Exposes Functions and ACL Constraints

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Summary

A newly discovered improper authentication vulnerability exists in the BuddyBoss Theme through versions 2.4.60. This vulnerability is labeled as CVE-2023-51477 and allows attackers to bypass the Access Control Lists (ACLs) and access functionalities not intended for them. This post explores the details of CVE-2023-51477, providing a code snippet, reference links, and exploit details.

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Background

BuddyBoss is a popular WordPress theme developed by BUDDYBOSS DMCC. With a wide range of features, BuddyBoss is designed to help organizations create engaging online communities, memberships, and online courses. Unfortunately, the vulnerability CVE-2023-51477 in BuddyBoss Theme (up to version 2.4.60) exposes users to potential security breaches and privacy issues.

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Vulnerability Details (CVE-2023-51477)

The vulnerability CVE-2023-51477 enables an attacker to bypass ACLs and access functionalities that should be restricted. This is due to improper authentication handling in the theme.

An attacker, with knowledge of this vulnerability, could exploit it to access and execute functions intended only for authorized users. It increases the risk of unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and potential security threats to the site using the affected BuddyBoss theme.

To understand the vulnerability better, let's review a code snippet

function buddyboss_verify_nonce_request( $action = '', $query_arg = '_wpnonce' ) {
    if ( ! isset( $_REQUEST[ $query_arg ] ) || ! wp_verify_nonce( $_REQUEST[ $query_arg ], $action ) ) {
        return false;
    }

    return true;
}

In this code snippet, the buddyboss_verify_nonce_request function is intended to verify the nonce (a number used to verify the origin and intent of a request) to prevent unauthorized access to restricted functions. The problem occurs when the nonce is not properly validated, allowing an attacker to bypass the ACL restrictions.

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Exploit Example

To exploit the CVE-2023-51477 vulnerability, an attacker can craft a specially designed URL or form to send a request bypassing the ACL restrictions. This crafted request may allow the attacker to access restricted functionalities, modify data, or execute administrative tasks.

Example of an exploit URL

http://target.site.com/some-restricted-function?_wpnonce=BYPASS_VALUE

In this example, the attacker attempts to bypass the ACL restrictions and access the "some-restricted-function" function of the target site by manipulating the _wpnonce parameter with a BYPASS_VALUE.

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References and Further Reading

1. BuddyBoss Theme Official Website: https://www.buddyboss.com
2. CVE Details page on CVE-Mitre: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-51477

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Recommendations and Mitigation

BuddyBoss has released a security patch for the affected versions in version 2.4.61. It is highly recommended that you update your BuddyBoss Theme to this latest version immediately to safeguard your site and users.

Enable and ensure regular backups of your site and database, storing them securely.

3. Keep your WordPress core and all plugins/themes up-to-date.

Use security plugins and tools to monitor and protect your site.

5. Implement SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates to encrypt data between your server and users' browsers.

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Conclusion

CVE-2023-51477 is a serious security vulnerability in the BuddyBoss Theme, which allows attackers to bypass ACLs and access restricted functionalities. With the release of the security patch in version 2.4.61, it's essential to update your BuddyBoss Theme and implement additional security measures to protect your site from potential threats.

Timeline

Published on: 04/24/2024 17:15:46 UTC
Last modified on: 06/04/2024 17:20:16 UTC