CVE-2023-52182 in ARI Stream Quiz Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2023
Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability in ARI Soft ARI Stream Quiz – WordPress Quizzes Builder.This issue affects ARI Stream Quiz – WordPress Quizzes Builder: from n/a through 1.3.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2024
The CVE-2023-52182 vulnerability represents a critical deserialization of untrusted data flaw within the ARI Soft ARI Stream Quiz WordPress plugin, specifically impacting versions through 1.3.0. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user-supplied data during the deserialization process, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected WordPress installations. The flaw stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of data structures that are serialized and then deserialized within the plugin's core functionality, particularly when processing quiz-related data or user interactions. Such vulnerabilities typically arise when applications deserialize data without proper input validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that can be executed during the deserialization process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate serialized data structures that are processed by the plugin's backend systems. When the plugin receives serialized data from user inputs or external sources, it fails to adequately verify the integrity and legitimacy of the serialized objects before attempting to deserialize them. This creates an environment where crafted malicious serialized data can be injected into the system, potentially leading to remote code execution or privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in WordPress environments where plugins often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources. According to CWE-502, this vulnerability maps directly to the weakness of deserializing untrusted data, which is classified as a high-risk category due to its potential for arbitrary code execution. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that the plugin operates within the WordPress ecosystem, where it may have access to database connections, file system operations, and other privileged functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-52182 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to affected WordPress installations and compromise entire websites. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify quiz content, steal user data, inject malicious code into website pages, or even establish persistent backdoors within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects not just individual quiz functionalities but could potentially allow attackers to manipulate the broader WordPress system, especially if the plugin operates with elevated privileges or has access to sensitive data storage mechanisms. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which involves exploiting weaknesses in remote services to gain initial access or escalate privileges. The impact is amplified in environments where multiple plugins or themes are installed, as the vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the WordPress ecosystem.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies to protect their WordPress installations from potential exploitation. The most effective immediate response involves updating to the latest version of the ARI Stream Quiz plugin where the vulnerability has been patched, as version 1.3.1 or later should contain the necessary security fixes. Administrators should also implement additional protective measures such as monitoring for unusual deserialization activities, restricting plugin access to necessary privileges only, and implementing proper input validation at all levels of the application. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary plugin features and ensuring that only trusted users have access to quiz creation and management interfaces. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious deserialization attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and following secure coding practices that prevent the deserialization of untrusted data, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 security guidelines and industry best practices for web application security.