CVE-2023-37892 in PluginPress Shortcode IMDB Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/18/2023
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in Kemal YAZICI - PluginPress Shortcode IMDB plugin <= 6.0.8 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2023
The Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37892 affects the PluginPress Shortcode IMDB plugin for WordPress, specifically versions 6.0.8 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's handling of user requests and lacks proper validation mechanisms to verify the authenticity of incoming requests. The flaw allows attackers to execute unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users who visit malicious websites or are tricked into clicking harmful links. The vulnerability stems from insufficient CSRF token implementation or complete absence of such protective measures within the plugin's administrative interfaces. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform actions such as modifying plugin settings, adding new users, or executing arbitrary code within the WordPress environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery flaws in web applications. This weakness occurs when a web application fails to validate that requests originate from legitimate sources, enabling attackers to manipulate user sessions and perform unauthorized operations. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's backend processing logic where user inputs are accepted without proper verification of the request source. The flaw operates at the application layer of the OSI model, specifically within the web application's authentication and authorization mechanisms. WordPress core security mechanisms are bypassed due to the plugin's inadequate protection against CSRF attacks, creating a vector for privilege escalation and persistent compromise of affected systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation to encompass complete system takeover potential. An attacker who successfully exploits this CSRF vulnerability can gain administrative privileges within the WordPress installation, allowing for full control over the website's content, configuration, and user data. The attack requires minimal technical skill and can be executed through social engineering techniques such as phishing emails or compromised websites that redirect users to malicious payloads. The affected plugin's functionality allows for extensive modifications to the WordPress environment, including database changes, file uploads, and configuration alterations. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites using the PluginPress Shortcode IMDB plugin, making them susceptible to coordinated attacks that can result in data breaches, defacement, or deployment of malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for this CSRF vulnerability should focus on implementing proper request validation mechanisms and ensuring all administrative actions require secure authentication tokens. The immediate solution involves updating to the latest version of the PluginPress Shortcode IMDB plugin where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as Content Security Policy headers, proper session management, and regular security audits of installed plugins. Network-level protections including web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Administrators should also consider implementing two-factor authentication and regular monitoring of plugin usage to identify unauthorized modifications. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that all CSRF protection mechanisms are properly implemented and validated. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and regularly auditing third-party software components for known vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under the T1078 credential access sub-technique, where attackers leverage weak authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions.