CVE-2023-3403 in ProfileGrid Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/18/2023
The ProfileGrid plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'pm_upload_csv' function in versions up to, and including, 5.5.1. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level permissions or above to import new users and update existing users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2023
The ProfileGrid plugin for WordPress presents a critical authorization vulnerability that undermines the security model of WordPress installations. This vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 5.5.1 where the pm_upload_csv function lacks proper capability verification. The flaw allows authenticated users with subscriber-level permissions or higher to manipulate user data through CSV import functionality, creating a significant vector for privilege escalation and data manipulation attacks. The vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege by permitting users with minimal permissions to perform actions typically restricted to administrators or editors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of capability checks within the pm_upload_csv function, which is designed to handle CSV file uploads for user management operations. When an authenticated user accesses this function, no verification occurs to confirm whether the user possesses the necessary permissions to modify user data. This missing authorization check creates a path where users can import new users or update existing user records through CSV files, bypassing the standard WordPress user role and capability system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires only authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users with lower privileges might be compromised or granted access through social engineering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification to encompass potential privilege escalation and persistent security breaches. An attacker with subscriber-level access could use this vulnerability to create administrator accounts, modify existing user permissions, or inject malicious user data that could be leveraged for further attacks. This capability enables attackers to establish footholds within WordPress installations that persist across sessions and could facilitate data exfiltration, service disruption, or lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites where user registration is enabled and where ProfileGrid plugin is actively deployed, as it transforms the security posture from requiring administrator credentials to merely requiring any authenticated user account.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the missing capability check. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting user roles and capabilities within WordPress installations, ensuring that only users requiring administrative functions possess the necessary permissions. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual CSV upload activities and user data modification patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-863, Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1531 for Account Access Removal. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and core systems are essential to identify similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities, while implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary plugin functionality and maintaining comprehensive backup strategies to recover from potential data manipulation attacks.