CVE-2023-46079 in Ashe Extra Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/02/2025
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WP Royal Ashe Extra allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Ashe Extra: from n/a through 1.2.9.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The CVE-2023-46079 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw in the WP Royal Ashe Extra plugin, which exposes systems to unauthorized access through incorrectly configured access control security levels. This vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the Ashe Extra plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.2.9, creating a persistent security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The issue stems from inadequate validation of user permissions during plugin operations, allowing malicious actors to bypass intended access controls and potentially execute unauthorized actions within the affected system.
This vulnerability manifests as an insufficient authorization mechanism that fails to properly verify user credentials and privileges before granting access to sensitive plugin functionalities. The flaw operates at the application level and directly violates fundamental security principles by not implementing proper access control checks. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in authorization where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions, making it susceptible to privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 which focuses on valid accounts and privilege escalation through unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-46079 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate plugin configurations, access restricted content, or even execute arbitrary code depending on the specific implementation details. WordPress environments using affected versions of Ashe Extra become vulnerable to various attack vectors including but not limited to data exfiltration, content manipulation, and establishment of persistent access points within the target environment. The vulnerability's scope is particularly concerning as it affects the core access control mechanisms of the plugin, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation's security posture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through plugin updates to versions that address the authorization flaw. System administrators should implement comprehensive access control reviews and ensure that all WordPress plugins maintain proper authorization checks. The remediation process involves updating to the latest version of Ashe Extra where the authorization mechanism has been properly implemented, along with conducting security audits to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred prior to the patch deployment. Additionally, implementing network-level monitoring and access control policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts targeting vulnerable systems.