CVE-2024-5940 in GiveWP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2024
The GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'handle_request' function in all versions up to, and including, 3.13.0. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to edit event ticket settings if the Events beta feature is enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5940 affects the GiveWP donation plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 3.13.0. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the plugin's administrative functions. The vulnerability stems from a missing capability check within the 'handle_request' function, which is a fundamental component of the plugin's data handling mechanism. The flaw becomes particularly dangerous when the Events beta feature is enabled, as it creates an attack vector that allows unauthenticated adversaries to manipulate event ticket settings without proper authorization.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the realm of insufficient authorization checks, which aligns with CWE-863, also known as "Insufficient Authorization." This weakness occurs when an application fails to properly verify whether an actor has sufficient privileges to perform a requested action. In the context of WordPress plugins, this typically manifests as functions that should only be accessible to administrators or authorized users being callable by any user, including those who have not authenticated to the system. The 'handle_request' function in GiveWP fails to validate user capabilities before executing administrative operations, creating a direct path for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification, as it compromises the entire fundraising platform's integrity. Unauthenticated attackers can manipulate event ticket configurations, potentially leading to financial loss, data corruption, or service disruption for legitimate users. When the Events beta feature is active, the attack surface expands significantly, as the plugin's event management capabilities become directly accessible to unauthorized parties. This could result in attackers altering ticket prices, availability, or other critical event parameters, potentially causing revenue loss or operational chaos for organizations relying on the platform for fundraising activities.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a prime example of how seemingly minor authorization gaps can create substantial risks in web applications. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper access controls at every level of application logic, particularly in plugins that handle sensitive financial data. Organizations using GiveWP should immediately update to versions that address this vulnerability, as the lack of authentication requirements creates an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary modifications without detection. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'Abuse Elevation of Privilege' tactic where adversaries leverage missing access controls to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching, implementation of additional monitoring for unusual administrative activities, and verification of access controls within the plugin's configuration.