CVE-2023-45765 in WP ERP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/02/2025
Missing Authorization vulnerability in weDevs WP ERP allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects WP ERP: from n/a through 1.12.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The CVE-2023-45765 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the weDevs WP ERP plugin, exposing systems to unauthorized access through improperly configured access control mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the WordPress ERP solution that manages enterprise resource planning functionalities for businesses utilizing the WordPress platform. The issue stems from inadequate validation of user permissions and access rights, allowing malicious actors to bypass intended security controls and gain access to restricted administrative functions. The vulnerability affects all versions of WP ERP from the initial release through version 1.12.6, indicating a prolonged period during which systems remained exposed to potential exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through incorrect access control configuration that fails to properly verify user privileges before granting access to sensitive administrative features. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform actions such as user management, data modification, system configuration changes, and potentially full administrative control over the WordPress installation. The flaw operates at the application level within the WordPress plugin architecture, leveraging the inherent trust placed in authenticated users without proper subsequent authorization checks for specific actions. This type of vulnerability commonly falls under CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1484 for domain policy manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access, potentially allowing full system compromise through privilege escalation and lateral movement within the affected WordPress environment. Organizations utilizing WP ERP may experience unauthorized modifications to business-critical data, including employee records, financial information, and operational parameters. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates that administrators may have been unknowingly operating with compromised security for extended periods. Successful exploitation could lead to data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and significant business disruption, particularly in enterprise environments where ERP systems contain sensitive operational and financial data. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress remains one of the most widely deployed content management systems globally, making this vulnerability attractive to automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.12.7 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to address the authorization bypass. Administrators must conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred during the vulnerability's exposure period. Implementation of additional security controls including web application firewalls, regular security monitoring, and principle of least privilege access should be enforced. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative access patterns can help detect suspicious activities. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and conducting regular penetration testing to identify similar access control weaknesses. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation and the necessity of regular security updates in maintaining robust cybersecurity postures.