CVE-2024-0453 in AI ChatBot Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/22/2024
The AI ChatBot plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the openai_file_delete_callback function in all versions up to, and including, 5.3.4. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to delete files from a linked OpenAI account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0453 affects the AI ChatBot plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 5.3.4. This represents a critical authorization flaw that undermines the security model of the plugin and exposes sensitive data handling capabilities to unauthorized users. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental missing capability check within the openai_file_delete_callback function, which is designed to handle file deletion operations from linked OpenAI accounts. The absence of proper access controls means that any authenticated user with subscriber-level privileges or higher can exploit this weakness to perform destructive actions on the OpenAI account associated with the WordPress installation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the insufficient validation of user permissions within the plugin's callback mechanism. When the openai_file_delete_callback function executes, it fails to verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges to perform file deletion operations. This missing authorization check creates an attack vector that directly violates the principle of least privilege, allowing users with minimal access levels to perform operations that should be restricted to administrators or privileged users. The flaw operates at the application logic level, where the plugin's security model relies on implicit trust rather than explicit permission verification.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to WordPress installations using the affected plugin, as it enables unauthorized data modification through file deletion operations. Attackers with subscriber-level access can leverage this vulnerability to remove important files from linked OpenAI accounts, potentially disrupting AI processing capabilities, deleting training data, or compromising the integrity of AI-generated content. The impact extends beyond simple data loss, as it can affect the overall functionality of AI-powered features within the WordPress environment and potentially expose sensitive information contained in the deleted files. This vulnerability particularly threatens installations where OpenAI accounts contain proprietary data or sensitive content that could be compromised through unauthorized deletion operations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-863, which addresses "Incorrect Authorization," and demonstrates how missing capability checks can lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized data manipulation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 "Valid Accounts" and T1485 "Data Destruction" where authenticated attackers can exploit legitimate credentials to perform destructive operations. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest plugin version, reviewing user permissions, and monitoring for unauthorized file deletion activities. The recommended approach involves enforcing proper capability checks within the openai_file_delete_callback function, implementing role-based access controls, and ensuring that all file deletion operations require appropriate administrative privileges. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file deletion patterns and user behavior that deviates from normal operational procedures.