CVE-2023-49765 in Rate my Post Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/21/2023
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability in Blaz K. Rate my Post – WP Rating System.This issue affects Rate my Post – WP Rating System: from n/a through 3.4.1.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2023-49765 represents an authorization bypass flaw within the Blaz K. Rate my Post – WP Rating System plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through 3.4.1. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of improper access control issues that can severely compromise the security posture of WordPress installations. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of user permissions when processing rating requests, allowing unauthorized users to manipulate the system through user-controlled keys that should normally be restricted to authenticated administrators or authorized personnel.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a critical weakness in the plugin's permission checking mechanisms where user-controlled parameters can be exploited to bypass intended authorization controls. Attackers can manipulate the rating system by submitting requests that contain crafted keys or parameters, effectively circumventing the normal authentication flow that should verify user credentials and role-based permissions. This issue aligns with CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization in software systems where access controls fail to properly validate user permissions. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the plugin's input validation and access control implementation, where the system fails to adequately verify that the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to perform rating operations.
From an operational perspective, this authorization bypass vulnerability creates significant risks for WordPress site administrators and users who rely on the Rate my Post plugin for rating functionality. An attacker with minimal privileges could potentially manipulate rating data, affect the integrity of user reviews, or even gain elevated access to the system through the compromised rating mechanism. The impact extends beyond simple rating manipulation as it represents a potential gateway for further exploitation, allowing attackers to escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts through compromised credentials, as unauthorized users can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to system functions that should remain restricted.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-49765 requires immediate attention from system administrators through the installation of the latest plugin version that addresses the authorization bypass flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all WordPress installations remain up to date with the latest security fixes. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress environments to identify any other plugins or themes that may exhibit similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing robust input validation and access control mechanisms, particularly for plugins that handle user-generated content or rating systems where unauthorized modifications could significantly impact system integrity. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual rating patterns or access attempts that may indicate exploitation of this authorization bypass vulnerability.