CVE-2023-4915 in WP User Control Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/13/2023
The WP User Control plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized password resets in versions up to, and including 1.5.3. This is due to the plugin using native password reset functionality, with insufficient validation on the password reset function (in the WP User Control Widget). The function changes the user's password after providing the email. The new password is only sent to the user's email, so the attacker does not have access to the new password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2026
The WP User Control plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability that undermines the integrity of user authentication mechanisms through improper validation of password reset requests. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.5.3, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the plugin's native password reset functionality without adequate authorization checks. The flaw resides specifically within the WP User Control Widget's password reset function, which fails to implement proper validation measures that should normally be enforced during authentication processes. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker can manipulate the password reset flow to change user passwords without proper verification of the requester's identity, effectively bypassing the security controls that should normally protect user accounts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's reliance on WordPress's core password reset mechanisms without sufficient additional validation layers. When a user initiates a password reset through the affected widget, the system accepts the email address provided and proceeds to reset the password without verifying that the requester has legitimate access to the email account associated with the user. This represents a fundamental flaw in the authentication flow where the system assumes that providing an email address is sufficient proof of identity, rather than requiring additional verification mechanisms such as authentication tokens, CAPTCHA challenges, or session validation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-305 Authentication Bypass and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege in authentication systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially compromise entire user accounts within the WordPress ecosystem. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can reset passwords for any user account registered in the system, effectively gaining unauthorized control over those accounts without requiring knowledge of the current passwords or access to the user's email inbox. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on WordPress for content management and user authentication, as the compromise of a single user account can lead to broader system infiltration and data breaches. The vulnerability also impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user data, as attackers can potentially access sensitive information stored within compromised accounts and modify content or settings.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability through several key approaches including updating to the latest plugin version where the issue has been resolved, implementing additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication, and monitoring for suspicious password reset activities. The recommended remediation strategy involves upgrading to a patched version of the WP User Control plugin that includes proper validation checks and authentication mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing rate limiting on password reset requests to prevent automated exploitation attempts, and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual password reset patterns that may indicate malicious activity. Security controls should also include verifying that email addresses are properly validated before initiating password reset processes, implementing proper session management, and ensuring that any password reset functionality requires explicit user consent and verification. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication validation and the potential consequences when such controls are insufficiently implemented, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1110 Credential Access through password manipulation and T1078 Valid Accounts through unauthorized account access.