CVE-2023-4935 in BEAR Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
The BEAR for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions up to, and including, 1.1.3.3. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the create_profile function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to create profiles via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2026
The BEAR for WordPress plugin presents a critical cross-site request forgery vulnerability that affects versions through 1.1.3.3, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations. This vulnerability stems from inadequate nonce validation within the plugin's create_profile function, which serves as the primary attack vector for malicious actors seeking to exploit the system. The absence of proper authentication checks and validation mechanisms allows unauthorized individuals to manipulate the plugin's functionality through crafted requests. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface of the plugin, where legitimate users with administrative privileges are tricked into executing unintended actions. This type of weakness falls under the CWE-352 category, which defines cross-site request forgery as a security vulnerability that occurs when a web application fails to verify that requests originate from a trusted source. The attack scenario typically involves social engineering tactics where administrators are lured into clicking malicious links or visiting compromised websites that automatically submit forged requests to the vulnerable plugin.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's failure to implement proper nonce validation during profile creation operations, which represents a fundamental breakdown in the security architecture. Nonce validation serves as a critical protective mechanism that ensures requests are legitimate and originate from authenticated users with proper authorization. Without this validation, the create_profile function becomes a gateway for unauthorized profile creation, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access points or manipulate user data within the system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple profile creation, as it enables attackers to leverage the administrative privileges of legitimate users to perform actions that would normally require proper authentication and authorization. This weakness creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly until the vulnerability is patched, making it particularly dangerous for high-traffic WordPress installations where administrators frequently interact with various web elements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on the BEAR for WordPress plugin, as it allows unauthenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. When an administrator clicks on a malicious link, the forged request can execute without their knowledge, potentially leading to unauthorized profile creation, data manipulation, or even complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill from attackers, as it relies on social engineering rather than complex exploitation techniques. This makes it particularly dangerous for environments where administrators may not be adequately trained in recognizing phishing attempts or malicious links. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the vulnerability affects all users who have access to the plugin's administrative interface, including those who may not be actively using the system but could be tricked into performing actions that exploit the vulnerability. The potential for persistent access and data manipulation makes this a critical concern for organizations that rely on WordPress for business-critical applications.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the latest plugin updates from the vendor, which typically contain proper nonce validation mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious requests, particularly those attempting to create profiles without proper authentication. The implementation of proper input validation and output encoding practices should be reviewed across all WordPress plugins to prevent similar vulnerabilities from existing in other components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual profile creation patterns or unauthorized administrative actions that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other plugins or custom code. The use of privilege separation techniques and role-based access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to the system, they cannot perform critical administrative functions without proper authorization. Additionally, user education programs should be implemented to help administrators recognize phishing attempts and avoid clicking on suspicious links that could lead to exploitation of this vulnerability.