CVE-2023-3213 in WP Mail SMTP Pro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
The WP Mail SMTP Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data due to a missing capability check on the is_print_page function in versions up to, and including, 3.8.0. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to disclose potentially sensitive email information.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2026
The WP Mail SMTP Pro plugin represents a widely used WordPress extension designed to enhance email delivery functionality for websites relying on the popular content management system. This particular vulnerability affects versions up to and including 3.8.0, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The issue stems from a critical flaw in the plugin's access control mechanisms, specifically within the is_print_page function which fails to properly validate user permissions before exposing sensitive data. This missing capability check creates an unauthorized access vector that allows attackers to bypass normal authentication requirements and access confidential email information without proper authorization.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper capability validation within the plugin's core functionality. When the is_print_page function is invoked, it should verify that the requesting user possesses appropriate privileges before disclosing any email-related data. However, this validation step is entirely absent, allowing any unauthenticated user to access the function and retrieve potentially sensitive email information. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where an attacker can gain access to resources that should be restricted to authorized users only. The impact is particularly severe because email data often contains personal information, business communications, and potentially sensitive credentials that could be exploited for further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, creating potential risks for organizations relying on WordPress for their web presence. Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this flaw to gather email addresses, communication patterns, and potentially sensitive information that could be used for social engineering attacks or targeted phishing campaigns. The vulnerability affects any WordPress site using the affected plugin version, making it a widespread concern across numerous websites and organizations. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 which covers data from information repositories, specifically targeting email systems and their associated data. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress powers approximately 40% of websites globally, meaning that a large number of potential victims could be impacted by this vulnerability.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations to protect their WordPress installations from exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the latest version of the WP Mail SMTP Pro plugin where the capability check has been properly implemented. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as network-level access controls, web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious access patterns to the plugin's endpoints. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the entire WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation in web applications and highlights the need for continuous security testing and validation of authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized data disclosure.