CVE-2024-12558 in WP BASE Booking of Appointments, Services and Events Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/21/2024
The WP BASE Booking of Appointments, Services and Events plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data due to a missing capability check on the export_db function in all versions up to, and including, 4.9.2. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to expose sensitive information from the database, such as the hashed administrator password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The WP BASE Booking of Appointments, Services and Events plugin for WordPress presents a critical authorization vulnerability that undermines the security posture of affected WordPress installations. This vulnerability manifests through the export_db function which fails to implement proper capability checks, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access. The flaw exists in all plugin versions up to and including 4.9.2, making a substantial portion of WordPress deployments susceptible to exploitation. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's data export functionality, which should normally be restricted to administrators or users with elevated privileges but instead remains accessible to users with Subscriber-level access or higher.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-863, which describes "Incorrect Authorization" where a system fails to properly verify that an actor is authorized to perform a requested action. In this case, the export_db function operates without validating whether the requesting user possesses the appropriate permissions to access sensitive database information. The flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where a low-privileged user can leverage the missing capability check to access data that should remain protected. The exposed data includes hashed administrator passwords, which while not immediately exploitable in their hashed form, provides attackers with valuable information for subsequent attack phases including password cracking attempts and credential reuse attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to conduct reconnaissance and planning activities within the target environment. An authenticated attacker with Subscriber-level access can now access database records that contain sensitive information about the system's user base, booking configurations, and potentially other system details. This information can be used to craft more sophisticated attacks, identify additional vulnerabilities, or support social engineering efforts. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices in the plugin's code implementation, where the principle of least privilege is not properly enforced, allowing users to access functionality beyond their intended permissions.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly within the privilege escalation and credential access domains. The vulnerability enables attackers to move laterally within a system by accessing previously protected data, potentially leading to full administrative compromise. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the missing capability checks. Additionally, implementing network-based monitoring for unusual export activities and conducting access reviews to identify unauthorized user accounts can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security assessments and the need for developers to implement proper access controls and capability validation in all user-facing functions, particularly those involving data export or administrative operations.