CVE-2023-1925 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_clear_cache_of_allsites_callback function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to clear caches 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 exists within version 1.1.2 and earlier releases, making it a critical concern for thousands of WordPress installations. The plugin's functionality includes cache management features that allow administrators to clear cached content, but the implementation contains a fundamental security flaw that undermines the protection of these administrative functions.
The technical flaw manifests in the wpfc_clear_cache_of_allsites_callback function where nonce validation is either completely absent or improperly implemented. Nonce validation serves as a cryptographic token that ensures requests originate from legitimate sources and prevent unauthorized operations. Without proper nonce verification, an attacker can craft malicious requests that appear to come from authenticated users. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-352, which defines Cross-Site Request Forgery as a security weakness where the attacker tricks a victim into executing unintended actions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cache manipulation. An attacker who successfully exploits this CSRF flaw can clear caches across all sites within a WordPress installation, potentially causing significant performance degradation and service disruption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication, meaning attackers can leverage social engineering techniques such as phishing emails or malicious links to trick administrators into performing cache clearing operations. This creates a scenario where legitimate administrators, believing they are performing normal administrative tasks, inadvertently execute malicious actions that compromise site performance and potentially expose underlying system vulnerabilities.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which describes social engineering attacks that manipulate individuals into performing actions that compromise security. Attackers can craft deceptive campaigns that direct administrators to malicious websites or links that automatically trigger cache clearing operations. The impact on site availability and performance can be substantial, as cache clearing operations often result in increased server load and slower response times. Organizations relying on the WP Fastest Cache plugin for performance optimization face the risk of service disruption, potential loss of user trust, and increased operational overhead during recovery periods.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that properly implement nonce validation. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting administrative access through IP whitelisting, implementing multi-factor authentication, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and authentication checks in web applications, particularly for administrative functions that can significantly impact system performance and availability. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems that can detect anomalous administrative activity patterns that may indicate CSRF attacks.