CVE-2020-36714 in Brizy Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
The Brizy plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass due to a incorrect capability check on the is_administrator() function in versions up to, and including, 1.0.125. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers to access and interact with available AJAX functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
The Brizy plugin for WordPress represents a popular page builder solution that allows users to create and customize web content through a visual interface. This vulnerability affects versions up to and including 1.0.125, where an authorization bypass flaw exists within the plugin's security mechanisms. The core issue stems from an improper capability check implementation within the is_administrator() function, which fails to correctly validate user privileges before granting access to sensitive administrative operations.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's handling of AJAX requests where the authorization validation logic is insufficient to prevent unauthorized access. When an authenticated attacker exploits this vulnerability, they can bypass the intended permission checks and gain access to administrative functions that should only be available to users with proper administrator privileges. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the plugin's functionality without proper authorization, potentially allowing them to modify content, access sensitive data, or perform administrative actions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to leverage the plugin's AJAX endpoints for more extensive malicious activities. Since the Brizy plugin integrates deeply with WordPress's administrative interface, successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify website content, manipulate user permissions, or even gain complete control over the affected WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects any authenticated user who can access the plugin's interface, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal prerequisites beyond basic user authentication.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient access control validation where the plugin fails to properly verify user capabilities before executing administrative functions. Organizations using affected versions of the Brizy plugin should immediately update to patched versions to mitigate this risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have already gained access to legitimate user accounts. The security implications are particularly severe given that the plugin's AJAX functionality provides extensive control over website content and configuration parameters.