CVE-2023-52187 in Image Source Control Lite Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2024
Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor vulnerability in Thomas Maier Image Source Control Lite – Show Image Credits and Captions.This issue affects Image Source Control Lite – Show Image Credits and Captions: from n/a through 2.17.0.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52187 represents a critical exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors within the Thomas Maier Image Source Control Lite plugin for WordPress. This plugin, designed to manage and display image credits and captions, has been found to contain a security flaw that could allow malicious actors to access confidential data without proper authorization. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 2.17.0, indicating a broad affected scope that encompasses multiple iterations of the software. The nature of this exposure suggests that the plugin fails to properly implement access controls or data sanitization measures, potentially allowing attackers to retrieve information that should remain restricted to authorized users only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient privilege checks within the plugin's codebase. When users interact with the image credit and caption functionality, the system does not adequately verify user permissions or sanitize data outputs before displaying them to end users. This flaw creates a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive metadata or configuration details that are typically protected within the plugin's operational environment. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct API calls, parameter manipulation, or by leveraging existing user sessions to access restricted information. The issue demonstrates a failure in implementing proper security controls that should be in place to prevent information disclosure, aligning with common weaknesses described in CWE-200, which specifically addresses improper exposure of sensitive information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress websites utilizing the affected plugin. Attackers who successfully exploit this flaw could gain access to image metadata, copyright information, or potentially sensitive configuration details that may reveal the underlying system architecture or user data. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the leaked data could be used for further attacks including social engineering, targeted phishing campaigns, or to identify additional system vulnerabilities. Websites running vulnerable versions of the plugin may experience reputational damage if sensitive information is exposed, and organizations relying on these platforms for content management could face compliance violations if the disclosure involves personally identifiable information or other regulated data. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions suggests that the underlying security flaw was not properly addressed in the plugin's development lifecycle, indicating potential gaps in security testing and quality assurance processes.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to protect their systems from exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the latest available version of the Image Source Control Lite plugin where the vulnerability has been addressed. Security administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of their WordPress installations to identify all instances of the affected plugin and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual API requests or data access patterns. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation within the WordPress environment can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability's classification as an information exposure issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1567, which focuses on the disclosure of information through various attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules to prevent exploitation attempts and maintain compliance with security standards such as those outlined in ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and system components, ensuring comprehensive protection against information disclosure threats that could compromise overall system security.