CVE-2023-1931 in WP Fastest Cache Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/07/2023
The WP Fastest Cache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized data loss due to a missing capability check on the deleteCssAndJsCacheToolbar function in versions up to, and including, 1.1.2. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber-level access to perform cache deletion.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2026
The WP Fastest Cache plugin represents a widely used caching solution for wordpress environments that significantly improves website performance by storing static versions of pages and resources. This particular vulnerability exists within the plugin's administrative toolbar functionality where the deleteCssAndJsCacheToolbar function lacks proper capability verification. The flaw allows attackers who have obtained subscriber-level user accounts to execute cache deletion operations that should typically be restricted to administrators or users with higher privileges. This represents a critical privilege escalation vector within the wordpress ecosystem where user access control mechanisms fail to properly validate user permissions before executing sensitive operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of capability checks within the plugin's codebase. When an authenticated user accesses the admin toolbar and attempts to delete css and javascript cache files, the system does not verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges to perform such operations. This missing validation creates an access control bypass where any user account with subscriber permissions can trigger cache deletion functions that are designed to be restricted to privileged users. The vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor input validation practices that are commonly addressed by security frameworks such as the owasp top ten and cwe categorization standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cache deletion as it enables attackers to disrupt website functionality and potentially accelerate their attack progression. By deleting cache files, malicious users can cause performance degradation, force the regeneration of cached content, and potentially create conditions that allow for more sophisticated attacks such as cache poisoning or denial of service scenarios. The vulnerability affects all wordpress installations using the affected plugin versions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any user who gains subscriber-level access through various means including credential theft, social engineering, or other initial compromise techniques. This vulnerability can be exploited through the wordpress administrative interface and potentially through automated tools that can leverage the missing capability checks.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that include proper capability validation checks. Users should ensure that the plugin is updated to the latest version where the missing authorization checks have been implemented and that all users maintain appropriate privilege levels within their wordpress installations. Additionally, administrators should implement additional monitoring for cache deletion activities and consider implementing additional access control measures such as two-factor authentication for administrative accounts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper capability checks and authorization validation in web applications as outlined in various security frameworks including the cwe top 25 most dangerous software weaknesses and nist cybersecurity framework guidelines. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits of their wordpress plugins and ensure that all administrative functions properly validate user permissions before executing sensitive operations to prevent similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities from being exploited in their environments.