CVE-2023-2275 in WooCommerce Multivendor Marketplace Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2023
The WooCommerce Multivendor Marketplace – REST API plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data and addition of data due to a missing capability check on the 'get_item', 'get_order_notes' and 'add_order_note' functions in versions up to, and including, 1.5.3. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber privileges or above, to view the order details and order notes, and add order notes.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2275 affects the WooCommerce Multivendor Marketplace REST API plugin for WordPress, representing a critical authorization flaw that undermines the security posture of e-commerce platforms relying on this extension. This issue stems from insufficient capability validation within the plugin's REST API endpoints, specifically targeting functions responsible for retrieving and manipulating order-related information. The vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 1.5.3, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who have not yet updated their installations. The flaw allows authenticated users with subscriber-level privileges or higher to exploit the system's access controls, creating unauthorized pathways to sensitive commercial data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through three primary functions within the plugin's REST API framework: 'get_item', 'get_order_notes', and 'add_order_note'. These functions fail to properly verify user permissions before executing their respective operations, creating a direct path for privilege escalation within the multivendor marketplace environment. The missing capability check means that any authenticated user, regardless of their actual role within the marketplace, can bypass normal access restrictions to view order details and order notes that should only be accessible to store administrators, vendors, or authorized personnel. This represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the plugin's access control implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it enables attackers to manipulate order-related information through the 'add_order_note' function. This capability allows malicious actors to inject false information into order histories, potentially affecting customer service, inventory management, and financial tracking systems. The ability to view order details provides attackers with sensitive information about customer purchases, payment methods, and personal data, which could be leveraged for further attacks or sold on dark web marketplaces. Additionally, the unauthorized addition of order notes could be used to corrupt audit trails, manipulate order statuses, or create confusion in the marketplace's operational workflows.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 related to valid accounts and privilege escalation. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal skill level and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have varying levels of access. The fact that the vulnerability affects authenticated users suggests that the attack vector could be initiated from within the organization itself, potentially through compromised user accounts or insider threats. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for unusual API access patterns, and conducting regular security audits to detect potential exploitation attempts. The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate plugin updates to versions that address the capability check deficiencies, alongside comprehensive access control reviews and user privilege assessments to minimize potential damage from this class of vulnerability.