CVE-2023-48775 in WP Cleanfix Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Gfazioli WP Cleanfix allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects WP Cleanfix: from n/a through 5.6.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The CVE-2023-48775 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Gfazioli WP Cleanfix plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels that fail to properly validate user permissions before executing sensitive operations. The flaw exists across all versions of the plugin from the initial release through version 5.6.2, creating a persistent security gap that has remained unaddressed for an extended period. The vulnerability essentially allows unauthorized users to bypass normal access controls and perform administrative functions that should be restricted to authorized personnel only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through insufficient input validation and access control checks within the plugin's core functionality. When users interact with the plugin's administrative interfaces or execute specific functions, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to perform the requested action. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for attackers to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative features. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and directly impacts the principle of least privilege, which is fundamental to secure system design. According to CWE-285, this represents an improper authorization condition where the system fails to properly enforce access controls, making it particularly dangerous in web application environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full system compromise. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to critical administrative functions including but not limited to user management, plugin configuration changes, content modification, and potentially database access. The affected WordPress installations become vulnerable to unauthorized modifications that could lead to data breaches, service disruption, or complete system takeover. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress environments where the plugin is actively used, as it creates a persistent backdoor that remains exploitable until the plugin is updated or patched. The long timeframe of vulnerability exposure from the initial release through version 5.6.2 indicates that this issue has been present in production environments for years, exposing countless installations to potential compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-48775 require immediate action from affected organizations to address the root cause of the authorization failure. The primary recommended solution involves updating the Gfazioli WP Cleanfix plugin to the latest available version where the authorization checks have been properly implemented. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Security hardening measures including regular security audits, access control reviews, and implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced across all WordPress installations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts and credential access, as unauthorized users can exploit this flaw to gain elevated privileges. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular penetration testing should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of implemented controls and identify similar authorization flaws in other components of the web application stack.