CVE-2023-26520 in Advanced Text Widget Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Max Chirkov Advanced Text Widget allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Advanced Text Widget : from n/a through 2.1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The CVE-2023-26520 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Advanced Text Widget plugin developed by Max Chirkov. This security weakness manifests as an incorrectly configured access control mechanism that permits unauthorized users to exploit the plugin's functionality without proper authentication. The vulnerability exists across all versions of the plugin from the initial release through version 2.1.2, indicating a persistent security gap that has remained unaddressed for an extended period. The affected plugin operates within WordPress environments, making it a potential target for attackers seeking to compromise WordPress sites that utilize this particular widget.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper implementation of access control checks within the plugin's codebase. When users interact with the Advanced Text Widget functionality, the system should verify that the requesting user possesses appropriate permissions before executing any privileged operations. However, the missing authorization check fails to validate user credentials or role-based access restrictions, allowing malicious actors to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute. This flaw typically occurs when developers assume that certain plugin features are only accessible to administrators or authenticated users, but fail to implement proper verification mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which specifically addresses issues related to improper authorization and access control failures in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates potential pathways for more severe security breaches within affected WordPress installations. Attackers could leverage this weakness to modify widget configurations, inject malicious content, or potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The consequences become more pronounced when considering that WordPress sites often serve as entry points for broader network compromises, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments. Additionally, the persistent nature of the issue across multiple versions suggests that administrators may have been unknowingly running vulnerable systems for extended periods, increasing the attack surface and potential damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-26520 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization flaw, as this represents the most direct solution to the vulnerability. System administrators should also implement network-level monitoring to detect unusual activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that only authorized administrators can access plugin configuration interfaces, and regular security audits should verify proper access control implementations. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block exploitation attempts, while also reviewing their overall WordPress security posture to identify similar access control vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security testing and continuous monitoring in preventing unauthorized access to critical system components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through improper access control mechanisms.