CVE-2023-5251 in Grid Plus Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
The Grid Plus plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data and loss of data due to a missing capability check on the 'grid_plus_save_layout_callback' and 'grid_plus_delete_callback' functions in versions up to, and including, 1.3.2. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber privileges or above, to add, update or delete grid layout. CVE-2023-34014 appears to be a duplicate of this issue.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2026
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2023-5251 affects the Grid Plus plugin for WordPress, a widely used tool for creating and managing grid-based layouts on websites. This security flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that allows authenticated users to manipulate data without proper permissions. The vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 1.3.2, making it a persistent threat across multiple plugin releases. The affected functions 'grid_plus_save_layout_callback' and 'grid_plus_delete_callback' lack proper capability verification, creating a significant security gap that undermines the plugin's integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of capability checks within the plugin's callback functions. According to CWE-863, this represents a "Incorrect Authorization" flaw where the application fails to properly verify that the authenticated user has the necessary privileges to perform the requested operations. The vulnerability allows attackers with subscriber-level privileges or higher to execute unauthorized modifications to grid layouts, including adding new layouts, updating existing ones, or deleting entire layout configurations. This unauthorized data manipulation capability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor access control implementation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for WordPress websites using the Grid Plus plugin. Attackers can exploit this flaw to alter website layouts, potentially disrupting user experience or hiding malicious content within the grid structure. The impact extends beyond simple data modification as attackers could use this capability to compromise website functionality or create backdoors through layout changes that might not be immediately apparent. This vulnerability particularly affects websites where grid layouts are used for critical content presentation or where layout modifications could be leveraged for further attacks. The fact that it affects users with subscriber privileges or higher means that even relatively low-privilege accounts can cause significant damage to website structure and content.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" but also applies to the broader concept of privilege escalation through application-level flaws. The vulnerability creates an opportunity for attackers to maintain persistence through layout modifications that could be used to establish covert communication channels or hide malicious activities within the website's structure. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest plugin version, implementing role-based access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized layout changes. The duplicate CVE-2023-34014 confirms the severity and widespread nature of this authorization flaw, emphasizing the need for immediate remediation. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all WordPress plugins to identify similar capability check deficiencies that could create analogous vulnerabilities in the website's overall security posture.