CVE-2023-2434 in Nested Pages Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/31/2023
The Nested Pages plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized loss of data due to a missing capability check on the 'reset' function in versions up to, and including, 3.2.3. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with editor-level permissions and above, to reset plugin settings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2026
The Nested Pages plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2023-2434, which stems from a fundamental flaw in access control implementation. This vulnerability exists within versions up to and including 3.2.3 of the plugin, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to exploit the system through a missing capability check on the reset function. The flaw specifically targets users who possess editor-level permissions or higher, making it particularly concerning for WordPress environments where multiple user roles exist with varying degrees of system access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-863, which represents "Incorrect Authorization" - a category that encompasses situations where the system fails to properly verify that an actor is authorized to perform a requested operation. The vulnerability manifests through the absence of proper capability verification within the plugin's reset functionality, allowing users with insufficient privileges to execute operations that should be restricted to administrators or users with explicit authorization. This misconfiguration creates a privilege escalation vector where editors and higher-level users can manipulate core plugin settings without proper authorization.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-2434 extends beyond simple data loss to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized configuration changes. When authenticated attackers with editor-level permissions exploit this vulnerability, they can reset plugin settings to their default values, potentially disrupting the functionality of nested pages structures and affecting content organization. This capability allows for unauthorized modifications that could lead to data inconsistencies, loss of custom configurations, and disruption of user experience. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially undermine the integrity of the WordPress site's navigation and content hierarchy managed by the Nested Pages plugin.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which focuses on valid accounts and legitimate credentials for unauthorized access. Attackers can leverage existing editor accounts to perform unauthorized actions without requiring additional credentials or complex exploitation techniques. The low barrier to entry for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have elevated permissions, as it can be exploited by malicious insiders or compromised accounts with editor privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2434 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the capability check deficiency, as this represents the most direct solution to the vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict access control policies to minimize the number of users with editor-level permissions, following the principle of least privilege. Additionally, regular security audits of WordPress plugins should include verification of capability checks and authorization mechanisms. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized changes to plugin configurations and implement logging mechanisms that track reset operations and other administrative functions. The remediation process should also involve reviewing user permissions and ensuring that only trusted administrators have access to critical plugin functions that could affect site integrity and data availability.