CVE-2023-51477 in BuddyBoss Theme
Summary
by MITRE • 04/24/2024
Improper Authentication vulnerability in BUDDYBOSS DMCC BuddyBoss Theme allows Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs.This issue affects BuddyBoss Theme: from n/a through 2.4.60.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2024
The CVE-2023-51477 vulnerability represents a critical improper authentication flaw within the BuddyBoss Theme ecosystem, specifically impacting versions ranging from unspecified initial releases through 2.4.60. This vulnerability resides in the core authentication mechanisms of the theme, allowing unauthorized users to access functionality that should be restricted by proper access control lists. The issue fundamentally undermines the security posture of WordPress installations utilizing this theme, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized system access. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user permissions during critical operations, enabling malicious actors to bypass intended security controls that should restrict access to sensitive administrative functions.
This authentication weakness operates through a failure in access control enforcement mechanisms, classified under CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization within software systems. The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the absence of proper ACL (Access Control List) validation, enabling them to execute privileged operations without legitimate authorization. The technical flaw manifests when the theme fails to properly verify user credentials and permissions before granting access to restricted functionalities. This creates a scenario where any authenticated user, regardless of their role or permissions level, can potentially access administrative features that should be limited to specific user groups or administrators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating significant risks for organizations relying on BuddyBoss Theme for community management and social networking platforms. Attackers can leverage this flaw to manipulate user data, modify platform configurations, and potentially gain complete control over the affected WordPress installation. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a fundamental design flaw in the authentication architecture rather than a simple coding error, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with outdated installations. This weakness can be exploited to conduct data breaches, deface websites, or establish persistent backdoors within the platform.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching to versions beyond 2.4.60 where the authentication flaw has been resolved. Organizations must implement comprehensive access control reviews to ensure that all user roles and permissions are properly configured and that no unnecessary privileges are granted. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough penetration testing to identify any potential unauthorized access that may have occurred prior to patching. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, emphasizing the importance of proper authentication controls and the potential for attackers to leverage compromised accounts to escalate privileges within the system.