CVE-2023-7046 in WP Encryption Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/09/2024
The WP Encryption – One Click Free SSL Certificate & SSL / HTTPS Redirect to Force HTTPS, SSL Score plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 7.0 via exposed Private key files. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to extract sensitive data including TLS Certificate Private Keys
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2026
The WP Encryption plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2023-7046, affecting all versions through 7.0. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive cryptographic materials within the plugin's file structure, creating an exposure condition that allows unauthorized access to private key files. The flaw represents a significant deviation from security best practices for cryptographic key management and demonstrates poor security hygiene in the plugin's implementation. The vulnerability specifically targets the exposure of TLS certificate private keys, which are fundamental components of secure communications infrastructure and represent the cornerstone of authentication and encryption mechanisms in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through inadequate access controls and file permissions within the plugin's directory structure. Attackers can exploit this weakness by directly accessing specific file paths where private key files are stored, bypassing authentication mechanisms entirely. This exposure typically occurs through predictable file naming conventions or misconfigured web server permissions that allow public access to sensitive directories. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in information security. The flaw operates at the file system level where the plugin stores cryptographic materials, making it possible for any unauthenticated user to retrieve these critical assets through standard web browsing techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as private key exposure creates cascading security risks for affected websites. When attackers obtain private keys, they can impersonate the legitimate website, decrypt intercepted communications, and potentially compromise the entire SSL/TLS infrastructure for the affected domain. This exposure enables man-in-the-middle attacks, session hijacking, and credential theft across all services protected by the compromised certificate. The vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of web communications, violating fundamental security principles outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and creating opportunities for advanced persistent threats to establish persistent access. Organizations using this plugin face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage due to the exposure of cryptographic keys that should remain protected at all times.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-7046 require immediate action including plugin version updates to address the exposed file access issue, implementation of proper file permissions, and removal of sensitive files from publicly accessible directories. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of web server configurations to ensure that cryptographic key files are stored in non-web-accessible locations and that proper access controls are enforced. The remediation process should include immediate replacement of compromised certificates and private keys, followed by comprehensive security assessments of affected systems. Security teams should implement monitoring for unauthorized file access attempts and establish automated alerting for suspicious activities related to cryptographic material access. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper secure coding practices and the necessity of following the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, particularly regarding the storage and handling of sensitive cryptographic information. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and additional access controls to limit exposure even if similar vulnerabilities are discovered in other systems.