CVE-2023-2435 in Blog-in-Blog Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/31/2023
The Blog-in-Blog plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in versions up to, and including, 2.0.0 via a shortcode attribute. This allows editor-level, and above, attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2026
The CVE-2023-2435 vulnerability affects the Blog-in-Blog plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 2.0.0. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from improper input validation within the plugin's shortcode implementation. The vulnerability is classified as a Local File Inclusion (LFI) issue, which falls under CWE-98 categories related to improper input validation and allows attackers with editor-level privileges or higher to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms within the WordPress environment. The flaw manifests through a shortcode attribute that fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker with editor privileges or higher manipulates the plugin's shortcode functionality to include arbitrary local files on the target server. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the WordPress plugin architecture to achieve unauthorized file access. The attack vector specifically targets the shortcode attribute handling mechanism, where user input is directly used in file inclusion functions without proper validation or sanitization. This allows malicious actors to include and execute PHP code from files that exist on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it requires only editor-level privileges, which are often more accessible than administrator privileges in many WordPress installations.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, encompassing data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and full system compromise. Attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass existing access controls, access sensitive files that should be restricted, and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when combined with other upload capabilities within the WordPress environment, as attackers can upload malicious files and then leverage the LFI vulnerability to execute them. This creates a complete code execution chain that can be used to establish persistent access, steal database credentials, or deploy additional malware. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2435 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the LFI vulnerability, as this represents the most effective defense mechanism. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all shortcode attributes and plugin parameters, ensuring that user-supplied input is properly validated before being used in file operations. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious file inclusion patterns. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for execution and T1078 for valid accounts, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring of user account activities and execution patterns. System administrators should also implement principle of least privilege access controls, ensuring that only necessary users have editor or higher privileges within WordPress installations. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and restricting web server access to sensitive directories can limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.