CVE-2024-28004 in Colibri Page Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ExtendThemes Colibri Page Builder.This issue affects Colibri Page Builder: from n/a through 1.0.248.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2024
The CVE-2024-28004 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the ExtendThemes Colibri Page Builder plugin, which is widely utilized for creating and managing WordPress websites. This vulnerability exists in versions ranging from the initial release through 1.0.248, indicating a prolonged period during which the security weakness remained unaddressed. The affected plugin operates as a visual page builder that allows users to construct web pages through drag-and-drop interfaces, making it a popular choice among WordPress site administrators and developers. The missing authorization issue fundamentally undermines the plugin's security model by failing to properly validate user permissions before executing sensitive operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, specifically within the administrative interfaces and API endpoints that handle page building operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform unauthorized actions such as creating, modifying, or deleting content without proper authentication or authorization. This flaw directly relates to CWE-862, which describes insufficient authorization conditions that allow entities to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute. The vulnerability essentially removes the security checks that should verify whether a user possesses the necessary privileges to access or modify specific plugin functionalities, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28004 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to compromise entire WordPress installations through the compromised page builder plugin. Since the Colibri Page Builder is frequently used for creating dynamic content and managing website layouts, unauthorized modifications could lead to defacement, data insertion, or even backdoor installation within the affected websites. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites where the plugin is actively used for content management, as attackers could manipulate page structures, inject malicious code, or alter website functionality without detection. The attack surface is further expanded because the plugin's interface often requires minimal authentication to access, making it easier for threat actors to exploit the missing authorization controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization flaw, as ExtendThemes has likely released patches to resolve the issue. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting administrative access to the WordPress backend, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious API requests that could indicate exploitation attempts, and establish monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized modifications to website content that may result from this vulnerability.