CVE-2023-3063 in SP Project & Document Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/30/2023
The SP Project & Document Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object References in versions up to, and including, 4.67. This is due to the plugin providing user-controlled access to objects, letting a user bypass authorization and access system resources. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber privileges or above, to change user passwords and potentially take over administrator accounts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2023
The SP Project & Document Manager plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2023-3063, which manifests as an insecure direct object reference flaw affecting versions up to and including 4.67. This vulnerability fundamentally undermines the plugin's access control mechanisms by allowing unauthorized object manipulation through direct URL parameter manipulation. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user requests where it fails to properly validate or authenticate object references before processing user requests, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's inadequate input validation and authorization checks, which permit malicious actors to directly reference objects they should not have access to, effectively bypassing the standard WordPress permission system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level privileges or higher to exploit the insecure object references to manipulate system resources without proper authorization. Specifically, the flaw enables attackers to modify user account information, including password changes, which can lead to full administrative control of the WordPress installation. This occurs because the plugin does not properly validate whether the requesting user has legitimate access rights to the target objects they are attempting to modify. The vulnerability operates at the application level and aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms in software applications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions that should be restricted to authorized personnel only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent security risk that can compromise entire WordPress installations. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially take over administrator accounts, leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or malicious modifications to website content. The vulnerability affects not only individual user accounts but also the overall integrity of the WordPress platform, as it undermines the fundamental security model that separates user permissions and access controls. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have varying permission levels, as the vulnerability can be exploited across different user roles to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The impact is further amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects a widely used plugin, making it a prime target for automated exploitation attempts.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the SP Project & Document Manager plugin where the vulnerability has been patched, and applying additional security measures such as implementing role-based access controls, monitoring user activities, and conducting regular security audits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar insecure object reference flaws in other plugins and themes, as this type of vulnerability is commonly found in poorly implemented access control systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust authentication and authorization mechanisms in all web applications, particularly those handling user data and administrative functions.