CVE-2023-5212 in AI ChatBot Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
The AI ChatBot plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Deletion in versions up to, and including, 4.8.9 as well as version 4.9.2. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber privileges to delete arbitrary files on the server, which makes it possible to take over affected sites as well as others sharing the same hosting account. Version 4.9.1 originally addressed the issue, but it was reintroduced in 4.9.2 and fixed again in 4.9.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2023-5212 affects the AI ChatBot plugin for WordPress, representing a critical arbitrary file deletion flaw that has significant implications for website security and hosting environments. This vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 4.8.9 as well as version 4.9.2, creating a persistent threat vector that allows authenticated attackers with minimal privileges to execute destructive operations on affected servers. The flaw specifically targets the plugin's file handling mechanisms, enabling malicious actors to remove critical system files, potentially leading to complete site compromise and broader hosting account impacts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient file access controls within the plugin's core functionality. Attackers with subscriber-level privileges can exploit this weakness to manipulate file deletion operations, leveraging the plugin's legitimate file management features for malicious purposes. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions demonstrates poor security testing and code review processes, as the initial fix in version 4.9.1 was subsequently compromised in version 4.9.2, indicating a regression in the security hardening efforts. This pattern of vulnerability introduction and re-introduction creates extended attack windows and increases the difficulty of maintaining secure configurations.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-5212 extends far beyond individual site compromise, as the vulnerability allows attackers to target not only the directly affected WordPress installation but also other websites hosted on the same server infrastructure. This creates a cascading security risk where a single compromised site can potentially affect multiple tenants within shared hosting environments, leading to widespread service disruption and data loss across multiple organizations. The arbitrary file deletion capability provides attackers with extensive control over the server environment, enabling them to remove critical application files, database connection scripts, or even system binaries that could render multiple sites inoperable. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) categories, highlighting fundamental flaws in path validation and file access controls.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it requires only subscriber-level privileges to exploit, making it accessible to users who typically have minimal administrative capabilities. This low privilege requirement significantly increases the likelihood of successful exploitation, as many WordPress installations maintain subscriber accounts for legitimate user registration purposes. The vulnerability's presence in versions 4.9.2 and 4.9.3 demonstrates the importance of thorough regression testing following security patches, as the re-introduction of the flaw in version 4.9.2 indicates inadequate quality assurance processes. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including plugin version updates to 4.9.3 or higher, comprehensive security audits of affected installations, and monitoring for suspicious file deletion activities. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and restricting file system permissions can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while following ATT&CK framework techniques for defensive measures including privileged access monitoring and file integrity checking to detect unauthorized file operations. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust security controls around plugin management in WordPress environments.