CVE-2024-13420 in Smart Framework Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/02/2025
Multiple plugins and/or themes for WordPress are vulnerable to unauthorized access due to a missing capability check on several AJAX actions like 'gsf_reset_section_options', 'gsf_reset_section_options', 'gsf_create_preset_options' and more in various versions. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to reset and modify some of the plugin/theme settings. This issue was escalated to Envato over two months from the date of this disclosure and the issues, while partially patched, are still vulnerable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2025
This vulnerability affects multiple WordPress plugins and themes that fail to implement proper capability checks on critical AJAX actions. The flaw exists in functions such as 'gsf_reset_section_options', 'gsf_create_preset_options', and similar administrative operations that should only be accessible to users with elevated privileges. The missing authorization checks allow authenticated attackers who possess Subscriber-level access or higher to manipulate plugin and theme configurations without proper permission validation. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where insufficient access controls enable unauthorized modifications to system settings.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and access control mechanisms within the WordPress plugin architecture. When WordPress processes AJAX requests, it typically validates user capabilities before executing sensitive operations. However, in affected plugins and themes, these validation checks are either completely absent or inadequately implemented, allowing any authenticated user to submit malicious requests to reset or modify configuration options. The vulnerability specifically targets administrative functions that should require administrator or editor privileges, creating a significant security gap in the WordPress ecosystem.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a serious risk to WordPress installations as it enables attackers to modify plugin and theme settings without proper authorization. Subscribers can potentially reset critical configuration options, create malicious presets, or alter existing settings that might affect site functionality, performance, or security posture. The impact extends beyond simple configuration changes as these modifications could be leveraged to create backdoors, disable security features, or manipulate site behavior in ways that could persist even after the initial attack. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly concerning given that partial patches have been applied but the core issue remains unaddressed.
The security implications align with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1548.1 (Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism) within the enterprise attack framework. This vulnerability demonstrates how misconfigured access controls in third-party components can provide attackers with footholds that escalate to broader system compromise. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of affected plugins and themes, implementing additional access controls through custom code or security plugins, and monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits of WordPress installations and the need for comprehensive patch management strategies that address both core WordPress updates and third-party component security.
The escalation of this issue to Envato over two months prior to disclosure indicates a prolonged window during which systems remained vulnerable. This timeline suggests that the vulnerability was not immediately recognized as critical, potentially allowing attackers to exploit it for extended periods. The partial patching approach taken by developers demonstrates a reactive rather than proactive security posture, which leaves organizations exposed to continued risk. Security professionals should prioritize immediate assessment of all installed plugins and themes for similar access control vulnerabilities, as this represents a common pattern in WordPress ecosystem security failures. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of capability checks in AJAX operations and the need for comprehensive security testing of all user-facing administrative functions within WordPress environments.