CVE-2023-2297 in Profile Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/27/2023
The Profile Builder – User Profile & User Registration Forms plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized password resets in versions up to, and including 3.9.0. This is due to the plugin using native password reset functionality, with insufficient validation on the password reset function (wppb_front_end_password_recovery). The function uses the plaintext value of a password reset key instead of a hashed value which means it can easily be retrieved and subsequently used. An attacker can leverage CVE-2023-0814, or another vulnerability like SQL Injection in another plugin or theme installed on the site to successfully exploit this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-2297 affects the Profile Builder plugin for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 3.9.0, presenting a critical security weakness in the password reset mechanism. This issue stems from the plugin's implementation of the wppb_front_end_password_recovery function which fails to properly validate password reset requests, creating an avenue for unauthorized account access. The flaw directly relates to improper input validation and authentication mechanisms, making it susceptible to exploitation by threat actors who can manipulate the password reset process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's reliance on plaintext password reset keys rather than properly hashed values, which violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-312. The use of unhashed keys allows attackers to easily retrieve and reuse these values for unauthorized password resets, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. This weakness represents a significant failure in the plugin's cryptographic implementation and demonstrates poor security practices in handling sensitive authentication data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the authentication layer where proper validation should be enforced to prevent unauthorized access to user accounts.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple account compromise, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks within a WordPress environment. An attacker can leverage this weakness in conjunction with other vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-0814 or SQL injection flaws present in other plugins or themes to establish persistent access to user accounts and potentially gain administrative privileges. The vulnerability creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks and can lead to data breaches, account takeovers, and unauthorized modifications to website content. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on WordPress platforms where user authentication is critical for maintaining system integrity and protecting sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including updating the Profile Builder plugin to a patched version that addresses the improper validation of password reset keys. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as rate limiting for password reset requests, enhanced monitoring of authentication events, and consideration of multi-factor authentication for user accounts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across all installed plugins and themes to identify similar weaknesses in authentication mechanisms. The remediation process should align with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 controls for authentication management and should include regular security audits to prevent similar issues in the future. Implementation of these measures will help protect against exploitation attempts and reduce the attack surface for authentication-related vulnerabilities.