CVE-2023-1923 in WP Fastest Cache Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2023
The WP Fastest Cache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions up to, and including, 1.1.2. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the wpfc_remove_cdn_integration_ajax_request_callback function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to change cdn settings via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2026
The WP Fastest Cache plugin represents one of the most widely used caching solutions for WordPress websites, designed to improve site performance by storing static versions of web pages. This particular vulnerability affects versions up to and including 1.1.2, exposing thousands of WordPress installations to potential exploitation. The plugin's architecture relies on ajax callbacks to handle various administrative functions, including content delivery network configuration management. When attackers can manipulate these administrative functions without proper authentication, they gain unauthorized control over critical site infrastructure settings.
The core technical flaw resides in the wpfc_remove_cdn_integration_ajax_request_callback function which fails to implement proper nonce validation mechanisms. Nonce validation serves as a cryptographic token that ensures requests originate from legitimate administrative interfaces rather than malicious actors. Without this protection, the function accepts requests that could be forged by attackers who craft malicious payloads targeting the specific ajax endpoint. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-352, which defines Cross-Site Request Forgery as a security weakness where an attacker can induce users to perform actions they did not intend to execute. The flaw operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the authentication and authorization controls within the WordPress plugin architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as CDN settings directly influence how content is delivered to end users. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could redirect traffic through malicious CDNs, potentially injecting malicious code or redirecting users to phishing sites. The attack requires social engineering to trick administrators into clicking malicious links, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing. Once executed, the forged requests could alter CDN integration parameters, potentially compromising site integrity and user data. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that no prior credentials are required, making it particularly dangerous for sites where administrators frequently visit external links or where the attack vector involves compromised third-party websites.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the nonce validation issue, as well as implementing additional security layers such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious ajax requests. Administrators should also implement strict access controls and regularly audit CDN configurations to identify unauthorized changes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms in plugin development, particularly for functions that modify core system configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring that tracks administrative actions and unusual configuration changes, as these events could indicate successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of third-party plugins remain essential, as this vulnerability illustrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks in widely deployed software components.