CVE-2023-3601 in Simple Author Box Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2023
The Simple Author Box WordPress plugin before 2.52 does not verify a user ID before outputting information about that user, leading to arbitrary user information disclosure to users with a role as low as Contributor.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2023
The Simple Author Box WordPress plugin vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw that affects versions prior to 252. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and user role verification mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. The issue allows users with minimal privileges to access sensitive user information that should typically be restricted to administrators or higher-level roles. The flaw exists in the plugin's handling of user identification parameters during the display of author information, creating a pathway for unauthorized data exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes user ID parameters without proper authorization checks. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms that should normally prevent lower-privileged users from accessing user data they do not have explicit permission to view. Attackers can exploit this by constructing specific requests that target user IDs, bypassing the normal WordPress user role restrictions that typically govern access to user profile information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable further attack vectors such as social engineering, credential harvesting, or targeted phishing attempts. Contributors who can access this information gain insights into user accounts, potentially including usernames, email addresses, and other profile details that could be used for account takeover attempts or to craft more convincing social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability essentially undermines the principle of least privilege by allowing users with minimal permissions to access data that should remain protected. This exposure can be particularly damaging in environments where user privacy is paramount and where the disclosure of user information could lead to compliance violations under data protection regulations.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched version 2.52 or later, which addresses the insufficient user verification checks. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive audits of their WordPress plugin ecosystem to identify similar vulnerabilities in other third-party components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1212, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities for information gathering. Regular security monitoring and access control reviews are essential to prevent unauthorized data access and maintain the integrity of user information within WordPress environments. Organizations should also consider implementing additional logging mechanisms to detect and respond to suspicious access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.