CVE-2023-4836 in File Sharing Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2023
The WordPress File Sharing Plugin WordPress plugin before 2.0.5 does not check authorization before displaying files and folders, allowing users to gain access to those filed by manipulating IDs which can easily be brute forced
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4836 affects the WordPress File Sharing Plugin version prior to 2.0.5, representing a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the security model of file access controls. This issue stems from insufficient validation of user permissions within the plugin's file retrieval mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on the WordPress installation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the plugin processes requests for files and folders, failing to verify whether the requesting user possesses adequate privileges to access the requested resources. This authorization gap enables malicious actors to exploit the system through simple ID manipulation techniques, effectively circumventing the intended access controls that should restrict file visibility to authorized users only.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through brute force attacks targeting the file and folder identification system. Attackers can manipulate the ID parameters used by the plugin to retrieve specific files, leveraging predictable ID patterns or systematic enumeration to discover valid identifiers for protected resources. This weakness directly corresponds to CWE-284, which describes improper access control vulnerabilities where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from local system. The flaw essentially transforms the plugin from a controlled access mechanism into an open directory traversal system, where any authenticated user can potentially access files they should not be authorized to view, particularly when the system employs predictable ID generation schemes or lacks proper validation of user permissions against requested resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, creating significant risks for organizations relying on the WordPress File Sharing Plugin for document management. Attackers can systematically enumerate through available files and folders, potentially accessing sensitive business documents, personal information, or proprietary data that should remain protected within the organization's file sharing environment. The ease of exploitation through brute force techniques means that automated tools can quickly identify and access protected files, amplifying the potential damage from this vulnerability. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and reputational damage when such unauthorized access occurs, particularly if the plugin is used to store confidential information, employee records, or customer data that should be restricted to specific user groups or roles.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-4836 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 2.0.5 or later, which addresses the authorization bypass through proper access control validation. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including restricting direct access to plugin files through web server configurations, implementing rate limiting on file access requests to prevent brute force enumeration, and conducting regular security audits of plugin installations to identify similar authorization flaws. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web applications, reinforcing principles from OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework that emphasize the need for robust authentication and authorization mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates of all WordPress plugins and themes, preventing similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed in their environments.