CVE-2023-51471 in Checkout Mestres WP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/24/2024
Improper Authentication vulnerability in Mestres do WP Checkout Mestres WP allows Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs.This issue affects Checkout Mestres WP: from n/a through 7.1.9.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2024
The CVE-2023-51471 vulnerability represents a critical improper authentication flaw within the Mestres do WP Checkout plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness stems from inadequate access control mechanisms that fail to properly enforce authorization constraints on plugin functionality. The vulnerability exists in versions of the Checkout Mestres WP plugin ranging from the initial release through version 7.1.9.7, indicating a prolonged period during which the authentication mechanism was insufficiently implemented. The flaw allows unauthorized users to access administrative functions that should be restricted to authorized personnel only, fundamentally undermining the security posture of affected WordPress installations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests as a failure in the plugin's access control list enforcement mechanisms. When users attempt to access certain administrative features or perform specific actions within the checkout process, the system does not adequately verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges. This authentication bypass occurs because the plugin fails to implement proper user role validation or session verification checks before granting access to sensitive functionality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core checkout operations that typically involve financial transactions, user data management, and payment processing capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-51471 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially enable more severe security incidents. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability can manipulate checkout processes, modify payment configurations, access customer data, and potentially conduct fraudulent transactions. The affected plugin's scope includes payment processing workflows where unauthorized individuals could alter transaction parameters, bypass payment validation steps, or access sensitive financial information. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in significant financial losses, data breaches, and compliance violations for affected organizations.
Organizations utilizing the Checkout Mestres WP plugin must implement immediate remediation measures to address this authentication flaw. The primary mitigation strategy involves upgrading to the latest available version of the plugin where the vulnerability has been patched and properly authenticated access controls have been implemented. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any other plugins or themes that may exhibit similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing network-level access controls, monitoring unauthorized access attempts, and establishing proper user privilege management can help reduce the risk exposure associated with this vulnerability. This issue aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques where attackers can gain unauthorized access to administrative functions through weak authentication controls.