CVE-2023-47764 in Ditty Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Metaphor Creations Ditty allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Ditty: from n/a through 3.1.24.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-47764 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Metaphor Creations Ditty plugin, a widely used WordPress audio player and playlist management tool. This security weakness manifests as an incorrectly configured access control security level that allows unauthorized users to exploit the system's permission structure. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of Ditty ranging from the initial release through version 3.1.24, indicating a prolonged period during which the flaw remained unaddressed. The affected plugin serves as a core component for many WordPress websites that require audio content management, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical implementation of this missing authorization vulnerability stems from improper access control checks within the plugin's codebase. When users interact with Ditty's administrative functions or access restricted content, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to perform the requested action. This flaw typically occurs when the application does not adequately validate user permissions before executing sensitive operations, allowing users with lower privilege levels to access functionality intended for administrators or authorized personnel only. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-862 category of "Missing Authorization" which specifically addresses situations where the application does not properly enforce access control mechanisms. From an operational standpoint, this misconfiguration creates a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security boundaries and gain unauthorized access to restricted features.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-47764 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary code, modify content, or access sensitive data within affected WordPress installations. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could manipulate audio playlists, modify plugin settings, or potentially gain administrative control over affected websites. The attack surface is particularly broad given that Ditty is commonly used across various website types and industries, from small business sites to enterprise-level platforms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" and represents a critical weakness in access control that could be leveraged for privilege escalation. The extended timeframe of vulnerability exposure from version to 3.1.24 suggests that many installations may have remained unprotected for extended periods, increasing the potential attack surface and impact.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies focusing on patch management and access control hardening. The primary remediation involves upgrading to the latest version of the Ditty plugin where the authorization checks have been properly implemented and validated. Security administrators should also conduct thorough audits of existing plugin configurations to ensure that proper access controls are in place and that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, monitoring for unusual access patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of WordPress installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation in web applications and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when authorization mechanisms fail. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations and regularly review user permissions to minimize potential impact from similar vulnerabilities in the future.