CVE-2023-1273 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-1273, a vulnerability in the ND Shortcodes WordPress plugin before version 7.0.

Understanding CVE-2023-1273

CVE-2023-1273 is a vulnerability in the ND Shortcodes WordPress plugin that allows authenticated users such as subscribers to perform Local File Inclusion (LFI) attacks.

What is CVE-2023-1273?

The ND Shortcodes WordPress plugin before version 7.0 fails to validate some shortcode attributes before using them to generate paths passed to include functions, making it vulnerable to LFI attacks by authenticated users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1273

This vulnerability could enable authenticated users to access sensitive files on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of information or further exploitation of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1273

This section covers the technical aspects of CVE-2023-1273, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the ND Shortcodes plugin arises from the lack of proper validation of shortcode attributes, allowing malicious users to manipulate paths used in include functions, leading to LFI attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The ND Shortcodes plugin versions prior to 7.0 are impacted by CVE-2023-1273. Users with versions less than 7.0 are advised to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated users, such as subscribers, can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests containing specific shortcode attributes to access files on the server that should be restricted.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking proactive measures to mitigate and prevent vulnerabilities is crucial to maintaining a secure environment for WordPress websites.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the ND Shortcodes plugin to version 7.0 or newer to eliminate the vulnerability.
Monitor user access and file operations for any suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and update plugins and themes to address security issues promptly.
Implement least privilege access controls to limit the capabilities of different user roles in WordPress.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by plugin developers. Keep all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core up to date to ensure the latest security enhancements are in place.