CVE-2024-37517 in Spectra Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/01/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Brainstorm Force Spectra allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Spectra: from n/a through 2.13.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-37517 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Brainstorm Force Spectra plugin, which impacts versions ranging from unspecified initial release through 2.13.7. This security weakness stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels that permit unauthorized users to exploit functionality that should be restricted to administrators or authorized personnel only. The issue manifests as a failure in the plugin's permission validation mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security boundaries and access restricted features or data.
This vulnerability operates under the broader category of insufficient authorization as classified by CWE-863, specifically addressing the failure to properly enforce access control restrictions. The flaw allows attackers to perform actions that require administrative privileges without proper authentication or authorization checks, effectively creating a backdoor into the plugin's functionality. The missing authorization control creates an environment where unauthenticated or low-privilege users can potentially manipulate content, modify settings, or access sensitive information that should remain protected within the Spectra plugin ecosystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration, content manipulation, and potential privilege escalation within the affected WordPress environment. Attackers leveraging this flaw could compromise the integrity of website content, modify plugin configurations, or gain access to user data that should be protected by proper access controls. The vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites using the Spectra plugin, where the misconfigured access control can lead to complete compromise of the plugin's administrative functions.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under the privilege escalation and defense evasion categories where improper access control can enable attackers to maintain persistent access and avoid detection. The remediation approach should prioritize immediate patching of the Spectra plugin to version 2.13.8 or later, which contains the necessary authorization controls to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough audits of plugin permissions and access control configurations to ensure no other similar vulnerabilities exist within their WordPress environment. Regular security assessments and monitoring of plugin updates remain critical defensive measures against such authorization-related threats.