CVE-2023-4729 in LadiApp Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/12/2024
The LadiApp plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery due to a missing nonce check on the publish_lp() function hooked via an AJAX action in versions up to, and including, 4.4. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to change the LadiPage key (a key fully controlled by the attacker), enabling them to freely create new pages, including web pages that trigger stored XSS via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4729 affects the LadiApp plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 4.4. This represents a critical security flaw that exploits the absence of proper nonce validation within the plugin's publish_lp() function. The issue manifests through an AJAX action hook that lacks adequate authentication mechanisms, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the plugin's functionality. The vulnerability resides in the plugin's failure to implement proper request verification, which is a fundamental security control that should prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the missing nonce verification within the publish_lp() function that handles AJAX requests. A nonce, or number used once, serves as a cryptographic token that ensures requests originate from legitimate sources within the WordPress ecosystem. Without this validation, an attacker can craft malicious requests that appear to come from authenticated users, specifically targeting the LadiPage key modification functionality. This oversight creates a persistent cross-site request forgery vulnerability where attackers can manipulate the key that controls page creation capabilities, effectively bypassing the plugin's intended access controls and authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to create entirely new pages within the WordPress environment. More critically, the vulnerability allows for the creation of web pages that can trigger stored cross-site scripting attacks when accessed by administrators. This dual nature of exploitation means that an attacker can not only modify plugin settings but also potentially inject malicious code that persists in the system and executes when administrators visit affected pages. The vulnerability's exploitation requires social engineering to trick administrators into clicking malicious links, but once successful, it provides attackers with significant control over the affected WordPress installation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities in software applications. The implementation flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, as the plugin does not adequately verify that AJAX requests originate from legitimate sources. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1566, which covers Phishing techniques, and T1059, which involves command and script injection, as the stored XSS capability allows for persistent malicious code execution. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between the WordPress admin and the plugin, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass standard security controls that protect against direct code injection attempts.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate plugin updates to versions that include proper nonce validation for the publish_lp() function. WordPress administrators should also implement additional security measures including monitoring for unauthorized plugin modifications, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper security testing during plugin development and the necessity of following established security guidelines such as those provided by the WordPress Plugin Developer Handbook. Organizations should also consider implementing role-based access controls and limiting plugin functionality where possible to reduce the attack surface and minimize the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future.