CVE-2023-31214 in WP Quick Post Duplicator Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Arul Prasad J WP Quick Post Duplicator allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects WP Quick Post Duplicator: from n/a through 2.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2026
The missing authorization vulnerability in Arul Prasad J WP Quick Post Duplicator represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of WordPress installations. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically manifesting as incorrectly configured access control security levels that permit unauthorized users to exploit functionality intended for privileged administrators. The issue exists within the plugin's permission handling mechanisms, where proper authorization checks are either absent or improperly implemented, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass intended security restrictions.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of user roles and capabilities when processing post duplication requests. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that target the plugin's duplication functionality without possessing the required administrative privileges. This misconfiguration allows unauthorized users to duplicate posts, potentially accessing sensitive content or performing administrative actions that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level, requiring no special privileges beyond basic user access to exploit the flaw.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to escalate their privileges and potentially gain deeper system control. An attacker could duplicate posts containing sensitive information, create malicious content, or manipulate the content management system's behavior through unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability affects all versions from the initial release through version 2.0, indicating a persistent flaw in the plugin's access control implementation that has not been adequately addressed. This widespread impact means that a significant number of WordPress installations remain vulnerable to exploitation.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest plugin version if available, implementing additional access controls through custom code, or disabling the vulnerable functionality entirely. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'Valid Accounts' and 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' tactics. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level restrictions, monitoring for unusual post duplication activities, and ensuring proper role-based access controls are enforced throughout their WordPress installations. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper authorization checks in web applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple plugin functionalities can introduce significant security risks when access controls are improperly implemented.