CVE-2023-0711 in Wicked Folders Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/08/2023
The Wicked Folders plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass due to a missing capability check on the ajax_save_state function in versions up to, and including, 2.18.16. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level permissions and above, to invoke this function and perform actions intended for administrators such as modifying the view state of the folder structure maintained by the plugin.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0711 affects the Wicked Folders plugin for WordPress, representing a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the security model of the affected platform. This issue stems from insufficient capability validation within the plugin's ajax_save_state function, which is designed to manage folder view states but lacks proper access controls. The flaw exists in versions up to and including 2.18.16, making a substantial portion of WordPress installations potentially vulnerable to exploitation by malicious actors who possess subscriber-level permissions or higher. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's administrative functionality, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to manipulate core folder structure elements that should remain restricted to administrator roles.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the absence of proper capability checks within the ajax_save_state function, which operates as a critical access point for folder state management. This function is designed to handle administrative operations related to folder visibility and structure but fails to verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to perform such actions. The missing capability check creates a direct vector for privilege escalation, allowing attackers with subscriber-level access to execute administrative functions through the plugin's AJAX interface. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a clear failure in the plugin's access control implementation, potentially enabling attackers to modify folder structures, alter view configurations, and potentially gain deeper insights into the website's organizational hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the folder structure in ways that could disrupt website functionality and potentially expose sensitive information. An authenticated attacker with subscriber-level permissions can exploit this vulnerability to modify how folders are displayed, potentially hiding critical content or creating misleading organizational structures that could interfere with site navigation and content management. The implications are particularly concerning given that the Wicked Folders plugin is commonly used for organizing WordPress content, making this vulnerability a potential threat to content integrity and site administration. This authorization bypass could also serve as a stepping stone for further attacks, as it provides attackers with insights into the website's folder structure and potentially opens pathways to other vulnerabilities within the plugin or related systems.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE-285 access control weakness, which specifically addresses insufficient authorization checks in software implementations. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this issue under privilege escalation techniques, where attackers leverage missing access controls to gain elevated permissions within applications. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 2.18.17 or later, which addresses the capability check deficiency. Additionally, administrators should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the plugin's AJAX endpoints and consider role-based access controls that further restrict capabilities for lower-privilege users. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and their access control mechanisms should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, while monitoring for unauthorized modifications to folder structures that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of implementing robust access control validation in all user-facing functions, particularly those that handle administrative operations within content management systems.