CVE-2023-44227 in Simple File List Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Mitchell Bennis Simple File List.This issue affects Simple File List: from n/a through 6.1.9.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2024
The CVE-2023-44227 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Simple File List plugin for WordPress, a widely used file management solution that allows users to upload, organize, and share files on their websites. This vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 6.1.9, creating a persistent security gap that could be exploited by unauthorized individuals to gain access to file management functionalities without proper authentication. The issue stems from inadequate access controls that fail to verify user permissions before granting access to file listing and management operations, effectively bypassing the intended security model of the plugin.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through insufficient input validation and access control checks within the plugin's core functionality. When users attempt to access file management features, the system does not properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to perform such actions. This missing authorization check creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate API endpoints or direct file access requests, potentially allowing them to enumerate, download, or modify files that should be restricted to authorized administrators or specific user groups. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct API calls, crafted HTTP requests, or by leveraging existing user sessions with insufficient privilege validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling more severe consequences within affected WordPress environments. Attackers could exploit this weakness to access sensitive business documents, customer data, or proprietary information stored within the file management system. The vulnerability also provides a potential foothold for further attacks, as unauthorized access to file management capabilities often serves as a stepping stone for privilege escalation or lateral movement within compromised systems. Organizations using affected versions of Simple File List may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is successfully exploited, particularly in industries subject to strict data protection requirements such as healthcare, finance, or government sectors.
Security mitigations for CVE-2023-44227 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization flaw, with administrators verifying that the updated version properly implements access controls and authentication checks. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to file management endpoints, deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests, and conduct thorough security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other potential authorization gaps. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-862, which specifically addresses inadequate authorization controls, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, as attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to file systems. Regular security monitoring and automated vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect similar authorization flaws in other plugins or custom applications within the WordPress ecosystem, ensuring comprehensive protection against unauthorized file access and data exposure.