CVE-2023-48176 in WebsiteGuide
Summary
by MITRE • 11/21/2023
An Insecure Permissions issue in WebsiteGuide v.0.2 allows a remote attacker to gain escalated privileges via crafted jwt (JSON web token).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48176 represents a critical insecure permissions flaw within WebsiteGuide version 0.2 that exposes the application to remote privilege escalation attacks. This issue specifically targets the application's handling of JSON web tokens which serve as the primary authentication mechanism for user access control. The vulnerability stems from improper validation and verification of jwt tokens, allowing malicious actors to manipulate token properties and gain unauthorized elevated access privileges within the system.
This technical weakness falls under the category of CWE-284 which specifically addresses "Improper Access Control" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.101 focusing on valid accounts with elevated privileges. The flaw exists in the jwt processing logic where the application fails to properly validate token signatures, expiration times, or role-based access controls embedded within the token payload. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious jwt tokens that bypass normal authentication checks, potentially gaining administrative or root-level access to the website guide system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it creates a persistent backdoor for attackers to maintain long-term system control. Remote exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or knowledge of valid user credentials to leverage this weakness. Once successfully exploited, the attacker can perform actions such as modifying website content, accessing sensitive user data, creating new administrative accounts, or even executing arbitrary code depending on the system architecture. The vulnerability affects the entire application stack since jwt tokens are typically used across multiple system components for session management and authorization decisions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-48176 should focus on implementing robust jwt validation mechanisms including proper signature verification, strict expiration time enforcement, and comprehensive role-based access control checks. Organizations should ensure that all jwt tokens are validated using secure cryptographic libraries and that the application enforces proper access control policies at every point of token usage. Additionally, implementing monitoring and logging for jwt-related activities can help detect suspicious token manipulation attempts. The recommended approach includes upgrading to a patched version of WebsiteGuide, implementing proper token refresh mechanisms, and establishing multi-factor authentication for critical administrative functions. Security teams should also conduct thorough penetration testing to identify any other potential jwt-related vulnerabilities within the application ecosystem and ensure compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP API Security Top 10.