CVE-2023-39312 in Avada Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ThemeFusion Avada.This issue affects Avada: from n/a through 7.11.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-39312 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the ThemeFusion Avada WordPress theme ecosystem. This weakness manifests as an insufficient access control mechanism that allows unauthorized users to perform administrative actions typically restricted to privileged personnel. The vulnerability exists across Avada versions ranging from the initial release through version 7.11.1, indicating a prolonged period during which the theme remained susceptible to exploitation. The affected component specifically relates to the theme's administrative interface and configuration management functions that should only be accessible to users with appropriate authorization levels.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate validation of user permissions within the Avada theme's backend processes. When users attempt to access certain administrative features or modify theme settings, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to perform these operations. This authorization bypass occurs at the application level where access controls are not properly enforced, allowing any authenticated user to potentially execute privileged functions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization within software systems, making it a direct descendant of well-established authorization-related weaknesses in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates potential pathways for attackers to manipulate theme configurations, modify website content, or potentially gain deeper system access. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could alter critical website settings, modify theme options that affect site functionality, or access sensitive configuration data that might reveal additional system information. The implications are particularly severe for websites running on vulnerable Avada versions, as the attack surface includes not just the theme's administrative features but also any integrations or dependencies that might be affected by unauthorized configuration changes. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1546 which covers persistence mechanisms through legitimate credentials.
Organizations utilizing vulnerable Avada versions face significant risks including potential data manipulation, unauthorized website modifications, and possible escalation to more severe compromise scenarios. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions suggests that administrators may have been exposed to risk for extended periods without awareness of the specific threat. Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate version updates to Avada 7.11.2 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the authorization bypass. Additionally, implementing network-level access controls, monitoring user activities, and conducting regular security assessments can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review user permissions and implement the principle of least privilege to minimize potential damage from any successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that only authorized personnel maintain access to administrative functions within the WordPress environment.