CVE-2023-6636 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-6636, a vulnerability found in the Greenshift – animation and page builder blocks plugin for WordPress.

Understanding CVE-2023-6636

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-6636 to understand its implications and impact.

What is CVE-2023-6636?

CVE-2023-6636 is a vulnerability in the Greenshift – animation and page builder blocks plugin for WordPress. It allows for arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation on the 'gspb_save_files' function in versions up to and including 7.6.2. This flaw enables authenticated attackers with administrator-level capabilities or above to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server, potentially leading to remote code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6636

The impact of CVE-2023-6636 is considered high with a CVSSv3 base score of 7.2. This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it can be exploited by attackers to upload malicious files and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6636

In this section, we will explore the technical details surrounding CVE-2023-6636, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Greenshift – animation and page builder blocks plugin for WordPress allows for arbitrary file uploads, leading to potential remote code execution. The issue stems from missing file type validation in the 'gspb_save_files' function in versions up to and including 7.6.2.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the Greenshift – animation and page builder blocks plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 7.6.2. Users with these versions installed are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with authenticated access and administrator-level capabilities or above can exploit CVE-2023-6636 by leveraging the lack of file type validation to upload malicious files, potentially enabling remote code execution on the target server.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-6636 requires immediate action to secure affected systems and prevent exploitation. Here are some steps to take:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the vulnerable Greenshift – animation and page builder blocks plugin version 7.6.2 or below.
Monitor for any suspicious activity on the server where the plugin was installed.
Implement additional security measures to strengthen the overall security posture of the WordPress site.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and themes to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users and administrators about best practices for securing WordPress installations.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by the plugin vendor wpsoul for the Greenshift – animation and page builder blocks to address CVE-2023-6636. Apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation and enhance the security of the WordPress site.