CVE-2023-52211 in WP Job Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Automattic WP Job Manager.This issue affects WP Job Manager: from n/a through 2.0.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2024
The CVE-2023-52211 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Automattic WP Job Manager plugin, a widely deployed WordPress solution for managing job listings and recruitment processes. This vulnerability exists in versions ranging from the initial release through version 2.0.0, indicating a long-standing security gap that has affected numerous WordPress installations. The issue stems from insufficient access control mechanisms that fail to properly verify user permissions before allowing administrative actions or data manipulation operations. The vulnerability manifests when authenticated users with lower privileges attempt to perform operations that should be restricted to administrators or authorized personnel only, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized system access.
This technical flaw directly maps to CWE-863, which describes "Incorrect Authorization" vulnerabilities where the system fails to properly enforce access control policies. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the WordPress plugin architecture, specifically affecting the job manager's administrative interfaces and data handling functions. Attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass normal security controls and gain unauthorized access to job listings, user data, or administrative functions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a plugin that is commonly used across various industries for recruitment and employment services, potentially exposing sensitive job seeker information and company data.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-52211 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to manipulate job postings, delete critical employment data, or even modify user permissions within the WordPress environment. This vulnerability creates opportunities for data breaches, content manipulation, and potential system compromise that could affect both job seekers and employers using the platform. The attack surface is broad since the WP Job Manager plugin is frequently installed on business websites, educational institutions, and corporate portals where sensitive employment information is stored. Security teams must consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1078 credential reuse and T1482 domain trust relationships that could be leveraged to expand access within compromised environments.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to the latest version of WP Job Manager where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper authorization controls. System administrators should implement additional monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to job management functions and review user permission settings to minimize potential impact. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security audits and proper access control implementation, particularly for plugins that handle sensitive user data. Security controls should include proper input validation, role-based access restrictions, and comprehensive logging of administrative activities to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. Organizations using this plugin should also consider implementing network segmentation and web application firewalls to provide additional layers of protection against unauthorized access attempts.