CVE-2023-2352 in CHP Ads Block Detector Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2023
The CHP Ads Block Detector plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions up to, and including, 3.9.4. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the chp_abd_action function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to update or reset plugin 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 • 04/10/2026
The CVE-2023-2352 vulnerability affects the CHP Ads Block Detector WordPress plugin, specifically targeting versions up to and including 3.9.4. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the plugin's administrative functions and exposes WordPress sites to unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls within the plugin's codebase, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate plugin settings without proper authentication. The issue manifests through the chp_abd_action function which fails to implement proper nonce validation, a fundamental security mechanism designed to prevent unauthorized requests from being executed on behalf of authenticated users.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the category of Cross-Site Request Forgery as defined by CWE-352, where an attacker can induce a victim to perform actions they did not intend to execute. The absence of nonce validation in the chp_abd_action function creates a direct attack vector that allows unauthenticated threat actors to craft malicious requests that appear legitimate to the WordPress system. This flaw leverages the trust relationship between the web application and the user's browser, enabling attackers to manipulate plugin configurations through carefully constructed forged requests. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction from the administrator, typically limited to clicking on a malicious link, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the entire plugin's functionality and underlying site security. An attacker could reset plugin settings to default values, disable protective features, or modify advertising configurations that could lead to revenue loss or exposure of sensitive data. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using the affected plugin version, creating a widespread risk across numerous websites that rely on this advertising detection tool. The attack vector's simplicity means that even non-technical threat actors can exploit this vulnerability effectively, increasing the potential for widespread compromise. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning from a threat intelligence perspective as it represents a low-hanging fruit attack that can be automated and scaled.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the nonce validation issue, as this represents the most effective solution to resolve the vulnerability. Administrators should also implement additional security layers including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious requests, proper input validation on all user-facing functions, and regular security audits of installed plugins. The implementation of proper nonce handling mechanisms aligns with ATT&CK framework tactic T1211 which addresses the exploitation of vulnerabilities through CSRF attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to help administrators recognize potentially malicious links and implement principle of least privilege for plugin management functions. Regular monitoring of plugin security advisories and maintaining updated security practices will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting the WordPress ecosystem in the future.