CVE-2023-51682 in MC4WP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ibericode MC4WP.This issue affects MC4WP: from n/a through 4.9.9.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The CVE-2023-51682 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the MC4WP plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through 4.9.9. This vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient authorization checks, which is classified as CWE-863 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to properly verify user permissions before executing sensitive administrative functions, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized access to critical system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to validate whether the currently authenticated user possesses adequate privileges to perform specific administrative tasks. This missing authorization check allows malicious actors with lower privilege levels to potentially execute actions that should only be available to administrators or users with elevated permissions. The flaw exists in the plugin's access control mechanisms, where proper user role verification is either absent or inadequately implemented, particularly during critical operations such as form configuration changes, data exports, or system setting modifications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations using the affected MC4WP plugin versions. Attackers who can exploit this weakness may gain unauthorized access to subscriber management features, form data manipulation capabilities, and potentially escalate their privileges to full administrative control. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as unauthorized users could modify critical form configurations, alter submission handling processes, or even inject malicious code through compromised form settings. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts with elevated privileges, as the flaw enables unauthorized access to administrative functions without proper authentication.
The vulnerability's exploitation potential is heightened by the widespread adoption of the MC4WP plugin, which is commonly used for managing newsletter subscriptions and contact forms on WordPress websites. Attackers can leverage this weakness to compromise website integrity, steal subscriber data, or use the platform as a staging ground for further attacks. The issue affects not only the immediate functionality of the plugin but also the overall security posture of WordPress installations, as it provides a foothold for more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or data exfiltration. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 4.9.10 or later, which includes proper authorization checks and access control validation.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected plugin versions, implementation of additional monitoring for unauthorized administrative activities, and review of user permissions within WordPress installations. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based controls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive audit logs of administrative actions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper access control implementation in web applications, particularly for plugins that handle sensitive user data and administrative functions. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their WordPress environments to identify similar authorization flaws in other plugins or custom code implementations.