CVE-2023-2353 in CHP Ads Block Detector Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2023
The CHP Ads Block Detector plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin settings update and reset due to a missing capability check on the chp_abd_action function in versions up to, and including, 3.9.4. This makes it possible for subscriber-level attackers to change or reset plugin settings. CVE-2023-36509 appears to be a duplicate of this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2026
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2023-2353 affects the CHP Ads Block Detector plugin for WordPress, representing a critical authorization flaw that undermines the security model of the content management system. This issue stems from a fundamental missing capability check within the chp_abd_action function, which operates without proper user privilege verification. The flaw allows attackers with subscriber-level permissions to execute unauthorized modifications to plugin settings, effectively bypassing the intended access controls that should restrict such operations to administrators or users with higher privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of administrative actions within the WordPress ecosystem. When the chp_abd_action function processes requests, it fails to validate whether the requesting user possesses the necessary capabilities to perform the requested operation. This absence of capability verification creates a direct path for privilege escalation, enabling low-privilege users to manipulate plugin configurations that should remain restricted to authorized personnel. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 3.9.4, indicating a prolonged period during which this security gap existed without detection or correction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as it provides attackers with the ability to reset plugin settings completely. This capability allows malicious actors to potentially disrupt the plugin's functionality, disable security features, or introduce configuration changes that could lead to further exploitation opportunities. Subscriber-level attackers can leverage this vulnerability to modify core plugin behaviors, potentially creating backdoors or weakening the overall security posture of the WordPress installation. The implications are particularly concerning given that WordPress plugins often serve as critical components in site security and functionality management.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms, specifically focusing on insufficient authorization checks in web applications. The flaw represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, where users should only have access to resources and functions necessary for their role. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts with restricted permissions, as attackers exploit legitimate user accounts to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The security implications also connect to T1566, representing social engineering attacks that can be facilitated by such privilege escalation vulnerabilities, allowing attackers to manipulate plugin configurations as part of broader attack campaigns.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 3.9.5 or later, where the missing capability check has been implemented. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of all installed plugins to identify similar authorization flaws, as this vulnerability pattern suggests potential security gaps in other components. Organizations should implement regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify privilege escalation opportunities within their WordPress environments. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date security monitoring and access control policies can help detect unauthorized configuration changes that may result from such vulnerabilities, while implementing network segmentation and user access controls can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.