CVE-2023-0551 in REST API TO MiniProgram Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/16/2023
The REST API TO MiniProgram WordPress plugin through 4.6.1 does not have authorisation and CSRF checks in an AJAX action, allowing ay authenticated users, such as subscriber to call and delete arbitrary attachments
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0551 affects the REST API TO MiniProgram WordPress plugin version 4.6.1 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress site operations. This issue stems from the absence of proper authorization and cross-site request forgery (CSRF) protections within a specific AJAX action handler, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the plugin's functionality. The flaw particularly impacts sites where the plugin is installed and actively used, potentially compromising the entire WordPress ecosystem through unauthorized file manipulation capabilities.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of access control mechanisms within the plugin's AJAX endpoint. When an authenticated user accesses the vulnerable endpoint, the system fails to verify whether the user possesses the necessary privileges to perform the requested action of deleting attachments. This absence of authorization checks creates a privilege escalation scenario where even low-privilege users such as subscribers can execute administrative functions. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by the lack of CSRF protection, which means that an attacker could potentially trick authenticated users into performing unintended actions through malicious web pages or social engineering techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0551 extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it represents a fundamental breach in WordPress security architecture. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can systematically remove media files, potentially including critical site assets, plugins, or themes that could lead to complete site compromise. The unauthorized deletion of attachments can also result in data loss, disruption of site functionality, and potential reputational damage for affected organizations. Given that the vulnerability affects authenticated users, it demonstrates the importance of proper privilege management and the principle of least privilege within WordPress plugin architecture, as even users with minimal permissions can cause significant damage.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, and CWE-285, which covers improper authorization checks. The flaw also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1486 for data encryption for ransom. Organizations using the affected plugin should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched version, implementing additional access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized file deletions. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of thorough security testing for WordPress plugins, particularly those that interface with core WordPress functionality through AJAX handlers, and highlights the necessity of comprehensive authorization mechanisms throughout web application development.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of the plugin to version 4.6.2 or later, which should include proper authorization checks and CSRF protection mechanisms. Administrators should also review user roles and permissions to ensure that only trusted users have access to sensitive plugin features. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, monitoring for unusual file deletion patterns, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for security-conscious development practices and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.