CVE-2023-5311 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides an overview of CVE-2023-5311, a vulnerability impacting the WP EXtra plugin for WordPress, allowing for unauthorized data modification and potential remote code execution.

Understanding CVE-2023-5311

CVE-2023-5311 is a vulnerability affecting the WP EXtra plugin for WordPress, version 6.2 and earlier. This vulnerability arises from a missing capability check in the register() function, enabling authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher to alter .htaccess files within specific directories on the WordPress site.

What is CVE-2023-5311?

The vulnerability in the WP EXtra plugin for WordPress allows attackers with specific permissions to modify critical files, potentially leading to unauthorized data changes and remote code execution, posing a significant security risk to affected websites.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5311

The impact of CVE-2023-5311 can be severe, as attackers exploiting this vulnerability can manipulate crucial files like .htaccess within the site's root directory or key folders like /wp-content and /wp-includes. This unauthorized data modification can result in various malicious activities, including remote code execution, compromising the security and integrity of the WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5311

The following technical aspects outline the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in WP EXtra plugin version 6.2 and earlier stems from the absence of a capability check on the register() function. This flaw allows attackers with specific permissions to modify .htaccess files, enabling unauthorized data alterations and potential remote code execution on the affected WordPress site.

Affected Systems and Versions

WP EXtra plugin versions up to and including 6.2 are impacted by CVE-2023-5311. Websites utilizing these plugin versions are susceptible to unauthorized data modification and potential remote code execution by authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by leveraging the missing capability check in the register() function of the WP EXtra plugin. By utilizing subscriber-level permissions or above, attackers can modify .htaccess files in critical directories like the site's root folder, /wp-content, and /wp-includes, facilitating unauthorized data changes and potential remote code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5311, immediate steps should be taken, followed by long-term security practices and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should immediately update the WP EXtra plugin to a secure version beyond 6.2 or implement temporary measures to limit access to critical directories and files. Additionally, monitoring for any unauthorized changes to .htaccess files is crucial to detecting and responding to potential exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust user permission controls, regularly auditing plugin security, and conducting thorough security assessments are essential long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future and enhance overall website security.

Patching and Updates

It is imperative to regularly monitor security advisories and apply patches and updates promptly to ensure the WP EXtra plugin is up-to-date with the latest security fixes. Maintaining a proactive approach to security updates is crucial in safeguarding WordPress sites from known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-5311.