CVE-2023-23653

MainWP File Uploader Extension <= 4.1 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary File Deletion

2023-01-17 00:00
Dave Jong

Strategic Overview

Status
Patched in 4.1.1
Affected Version
<= 4.1
CVSS
8.1High
Weakness type
CWE-862 · Missing Authorization
CVE
CVE-2023-23653
View all MainWP File Uploader Extension vulnerabilities

At a glance

CVE-2023-23653 is a high-severity Missing Authorization vulnerability in the MainWP File Uploader Extension WordPress plugin, affecting versions <= 4.1. It carries a CVSS score of 8.1 (reachable over the network; low attack complexity; high integrity, availability impact). Exploitation requires an authenticated account at Subscriber level or above. The issue is fixed in version 4.1.1; sites on affected versions should update now. Disclosed January 2023, reported by Dave Jong.

Vulnerability Overview

The MainWP File Uploader Extension for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file download. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level permissions and above, to delete arbitrary files from the affected site.

Technical Analysis

The vector marks this flaw as remotely reachable over the network, with low attack complexity — no special timing or configuration is needed, and no interaction from a victim user. A successful exploit has high impact on integrity, availability.

CWE-862: Missing Authorization

Reaching this weakness in MainWP File Uploader Extension <= 4.1 takes an account at Subscriber level or above. A missing authorization check means a function is reachable by anyone who can reach the endpoint, because the code never asks whether the caller is allowed to perform the action.

Any user who can reach the endpoint gets to run an action reserved for higher-privileged roles, from reading protected data to changing settings or content. For MainWP File Uploader Extension the fix is 4.1.1: builds <= 4.1 are affected, anything from 4.1.1 onward is not.

Remediation

Update to version 4.1.1, or a newer patched version

How does WordSec protect against this?

Because it turns on account access, WordSec's login security is the relevant layer: role-based two-factor, captcha and brute-force limits raise the cost of getting the account this needs. None of that substitutes for the fix: MainWP File Uploader Extension 4.1.1 closes this, and updating the plugin is the step that ends it.

  • Login Security
  • Alerts

External References

Related records

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