CVE-2023-0718 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_folder 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 folder structure maintained by the plugin.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0718 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 an insufficient capability verification mechanism within the plugin's ajax_save_folder function, which is designed to handle folder management operations within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions up to and including 2.18.16, making a significant portion of the plugin's user base susceptible to exploitation. The flaw allows authenticated users with subscriber-level permissions or higher to execute administrative functions that should be restricted to users with elevated privileges, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation within the plugin's operational scope.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the absence of proper capability checks within the ajax_save_folder function, which serves as the primary interface for folder manipulation operations. This missing validation creates a direct attack vector where malicious actors can leverage their existing authenticated session to perform unauthorized administrative actions. The flaw operates at the application logic level, where the plugin fails to verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative capabilities before executing folder modification operations. According to CWE-285, this represents an improper authorization vulnerability where the system fails to properly enforce access controls, allowing unauthorized actions to be performed by users who should not have such privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's folder structure management functionality, potentially enabling attackers to reorganize, rename, or delete folders that they should not have access to, thereby compromising the integrity and security of the content organization system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to manipulate the folder structure in ways that could disrupt content organization, potentially leading to information disclosure or data integrity issues. An authenticated attacker with subscriber permissions can effectively bypass the intended access controls and perform administrative folder management tasks that should be restricted to administrators or editors. This creates a significant risk for WordPress sites that rely on the Wicked Folders plugin for content organization, as it allows malicious users to modify the plugin's folder hierarchy, potentially obscuring important content or creating confusion in the content management structure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by users who have already gained access to the WordPress system through other means. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques, specifically T1078.004 - Valid Accounts and T1548.001 - Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism, as it allows attackers to perform administrative actions using their existing authenticated sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-0718 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the missing capability checks in the ajax_save_folder function. System administrators should ensure that all instances of the Wicked Folders plugin are updated to the latest version that includes proper access control validation. Additionally, implementing network-level monitoring to detect unusual folder manipulation activities can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing role-based access controls within WordPress that further restrict what actions can be performed by users with subscriber-level permissions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and capability checks in web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other plugins or themes that may exhibit similar authorization bypass issues, as this represents a common pattern in WordPress plugin development where access control mechanisms are insufficiently implemented. Regular security audits of third-party plugins and adherence to WordPress security best practices, including the principle of least privilege, are essential measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.