CVE-2023-2086 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-2086 was published by Wordfence on June 9, 2023, revealing a vulnerability in the Essential Blocks plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability could allow unauthorized use of functionality due to a missing capability check in versions up to and including 4.0.6.

Understanding CVE-2023-2086

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-2086, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-2086?

The Essential Blocks plugin for WordPress is susceptible to unauthorized use of functionality due to a missing capability check on the

template_count

function in versions up to and including 4.0.6. This oversight enables attacker with subscriber-level access to extract plugin template information, bypassing the nonce verification process.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2086

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-2086 could allow malicious actors with limited privileges to access sensitive plugin template data, potentially compromising the security and integrity of WordPress websites leveraging the impacted plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2086

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-2086, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism involved.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a missing capability check on the

template_count

function within the Essential Blocks plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 4.0.6. Although a nonce check is present, it is only enforced when a nonce is provided, allowing attackers to bypass verification by omitting the nonce.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Essential Blocks plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 4.0.6 is impacted by CVE-2023-2086. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of unauthorized access to plugin template information by attackers with subscriber-level privileges.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-2086 involves leveraging the absence of a capability check on the

template_count

function in the affected versions of the Essential Blocks plugin. Attackers can bypass the nonce verification by omitting the nonce, enabling them to extract sensitive plugin template data.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on strategies to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-2086 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of the Essential Blocks plugin for WordPress version 4.0.6 and below are advised to update to a patched version to address the vulnerability. It is crucial to implement this update promptly to safeguard against unauthorized access to plugin template information.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining a proactive approach to security is essential for safeguarding WordPress websites from potential threats. Regular security audits, access control reviews, and adherence to secure coding practices can help bolster overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring timely installation of security patches and updates provided by the plugin developer is critical for addressing known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-2086. Users should stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to mitigate risks effectively.