CVE-2023-47188 in Simple Job Board Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/02/2025
Missing Authorization vulnerability in PressTigers Simple Job Board allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Simple Job Board: from n/a through 2.10.5.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2025
The CVE-2023-47188 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the PressTigers Simple Job Board plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified initial version through 2.10.5. This security weakness stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels that fail to properly validate user permissions before granting access to sensitive administrative functions. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's authorization mechanisms, where proper checks are either absent or improperly implemented, allowing unauthorized users to bypass normal access controls and perform actions typically restricted to privileged administrators.
This missing authorization issue creates a significant operational risk by enabling attackers to exploit incorrect access control security levels that should normally restrict access to job board management functions. The flaw allows unauthorized individuals to potentially access administrative panels, modify job listings, manage user accounts, and perform other privileged operations without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure to include potential system compromise through unauthorized administrative access, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on the plugin for job board functionality.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability operates through improper access control validation where the plugin fails to verify user roles and permissions before executing administrative functions. This misconfiguration allows attackers to manipulate request parameters or directly access administrative endpoints that should only be available to authenticated administrators. The flaw aligns with CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all access control mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques where attackers leverage misconfigured access controls to gain elevated system access.
Organizations utilizing the PressTigers Simple Job Board plugin in affected versions face substantial security risks including potential data breaches, unauthorized modifications to job listings, user account compromise, and possible system infiltration. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects multiple versions within the specified range, indicating a persistent flaw in the plugin's access control implementation. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, potentially leading to complete system compromise or unauthorized data manipulation. The lack of proper authorization checks creates a pathway for attackers to escalate their privileges and perform actions that should be restricted to authorized personnel only.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-47188 require immediate action including updating to the latest available version of the Simple Job Board plugin where the authorization flaw has been addressed. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as monitoring access logs for unauthorized access attempts, implementing network segmentation to limit access to administrative functions, and conducting thorough security audits of all plugin configurations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar misconfigurations in other plugins or systems. The fix typically involves implementing proper access control validation mechanisms that ensure only authenticated administrators can access privileged functions, aligning with industry best practices for secure plugin development and deployment.