CVE-2023-2447 in UserPro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2023
The UserPro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions up to, and including, 5.1.1. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the 'export_users' function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to export the users to a csv file, 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 • 04/11/2026
The UserPro plugin for WordPress presents a critical cross-site request forgery vulnerability that affects versions through 5.1.1, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations. This vulnerability stems from inadequate nonce validation within the plugin's export_users function, which operates without proper authentication checks or request origin verification. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate the plugin's export functionality and extract user data from the WordPress database, potentially compromising sensitive user information including usernames, email addresses, and other personal details stored within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic csrf attack vector where an attacker crafts a malicious request that appears legitimate to the WordPress admin interface. When an authenticated administrator clicks on a crafted link or visits a malicious website containing the exploit, the browser automatically submits the export request with the administrator's session cookies, effectively executing the malicious action without the administrator's knowledge or consent. This attack pattern aligns with the common csrf attack methodology described in the mitre att&ck framework under the technique of credential access through manipulation of web requests. The vulnerability specifically maps to cwe-352 which defines cross-site request forgery as a weakness where the application fails to validate that requests originate from the intended user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as the exported user data could enable further attacks including credential stuffing, social engineering campaigns, or targeted phishing attempts against users whose information has been compromised. Attackers can systematically harvest user credentials from the exported csv files and potentially use them to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, particularly if users reuse passwords across multiple systems. The vulnerability also undermines the principle of least privilege since it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls that should restrict user data export functionality to authorized administrators only.
Organizations should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The most critical action involves upgrading to a patched version of the UserPro plugin where available, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing additional security measures such as wp nonce validation enforcement, browser security headers, and web application firewalls to detect and prevent csrf attacks. Regular security audits and monitoring of plugin installations should also be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms in web applications, particularly when dealing with sensitive data operations, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for maintaining up-to-date security practices in content management systems.