CVE-2023-5714 in System Dashboard Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/07/2023
The System Dashboard plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data due to a missing capability check on the sd_db_specs() function hooked via an AJAX action in all versions up to, and including, 2.8.7. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to retrieve data key specs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5714 affects the System Dashboard plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 2.8.7. This represents a critical authorization flaw that undermines the security model of the affected platform. The vulnerability stems from a missing capability check within the sd_db_specs() function, which is registered as an AJAX action handler. This oversight creates a pathway for attackers to exploit the system's access controls, fundamentally compromising the integrity of user data protection mechanisms. The issue is particularly concerning because it allows authenticated users with subscriber-level privileges or higher to bypass normal security boundaries and access sensitive database specifications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of privilege verification within the plugin's AJAX endpoint. When the sd_db_specs() function executes, it fails to validate whether the requesting user possesses the appropriate administrative permissions required to access database specification data. This missing capability check creates a direct attack vector that can be exploited through crafted AJAX requests. The vulnerability manifests as an authorization bypass, where the system fails to enforce proper access controls that should restrict sensitive data access to users with elevated privileges. This flaw operates at the application layer and specifically affects WordPress's permission model, where different user roles should have distinct access rights to system components.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to WordPress installations utilizing the affected plugin. Attackers with subscriber accounts or higher can potentially extract database schema information, which could reveal critical system architecture details. Such information could be leveraged in subsequent attacks to identify additional vulnerabilities or plan more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as database specification information can provide attackers with insights into system internals that may aid in privilege escalation or lateral movement within the affected environment. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on WordPress for content management and may have varying user access levels within their systems.
The security implications of CVE-2023-5714 align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. This classification emphasizes the fundamental flaw in privilege enforcement mechanisms that allows unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched version of the System Dashboard plugin, reviewing user access controls, and monitoring for suspicious activity patterns. The recommended approach involves ensuring that all AJAX endpoints properly validate user capabilities and enforce appropriate access controls, with additional monitoring of API calls that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network-level controls to restrict access to plugin endpoints and conduct regular audits of user permissions to prevent unauthorized data access.