CVE-2023-7204 in WP STAGING Backup Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/29/2024
The WP STAGING WordPress Backup plugin before 3.2.0 allows access to cache files during the cloning process which provides
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2025
The WP STAGING WordPress Backup plugin vulnerability CVE-2023-7204 represents a critical security flaw in the plugin's handling of cache files during cloning operations. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 3.2.0 and exposes sensitive data through improper access controls. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to properly restrict access to temporary cache files that are generated and stored during the backup and cloning processes. These cache files contain potentially sensitive information about the WordPress installation, including database credentials, file paths, and configuration details that could be exploited by unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation flaw lies in the plugin's inadequate permission controls and file access management during the staging process. When users initiate cloning operations, the plugin creates temporary cache files that should be restricted to authorized users only. However, these files remain accessible to any user who can guess or discover their location, creating an information disclosure vulnerability. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and specifically relates to CWE-284, which deals with inadequate access control mechanisms. This weakness allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to cached data that should remain protected during system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers who gain access to these cache files can potentially reconstruct database structures, identify system configurations, and gather intelligence about the target environment. This information can be leveraged to plan more targeted attacks, including privilege escalation attempts or further exploitation of other system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability particularly affects WordPress environments where multiple users have access to the system, as the cache files may be accessible through various attack vectors including web application exploits or misconfigured server permissions. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the WP STAGING plugin for backup and staging operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-7204 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 3.2.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for access control issues. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including proper file permission management, regular security audits of temporary file directories, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The fix typically involves implementing proper access control checks that verify user authorization before allowing access to cache files during cloning operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file access patterns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use the exposed information to craft more convincing social engineering attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses in other WordPress plugins and system components.