CVE-2023-28416
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Missing Authorization vulnerability in the Chankhe WordPress theme that allows authenticated users to activate arbitrary plugins without proper permissions. It affects WordPress sites using Chankhe theme versions up to 1.0.5. Attackers with any level of WordPress user account can exploit this to gain elevated privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- Sparkle Themes Chankhe WordPress Theme
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with any WordPress user account could activate malicious plugins to achieve remote code execution, data exfiltration, or complete site compromise.
Likely Case
Authenticated attackers activate plugins to gain administrative privileges, modify site content, or install backdoors.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and theme updates, impact is limited to authorized plugin management only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but minimal technical skill. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.0.6 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/chankhe/vulnerability/wordpress-chankhe-theme-1-0-5-authenticated-arbitrary-plugin-activation?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Chankhe theme to version 1.0.6 or later via WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Click 'Update Now' for Chankhe theme. 4. Clear any caching plugins/CDN caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove Vulnerable Theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme and delete Chankhe theme files
wp theme delete chankhe
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Restrict User Registration
allDisable new user registration to limit attack surface
wp option update users_can_register 0
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict user role management and review all user accounts
- Deploy web application firewall rules to block unauthorized plugin activation requests
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version: wp theme list | grep chankhe or review Appearance > Themes in admin panelCheck Version:
wp theme list --fields=name,version | grep chankheVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Chankhe theme version is 1.0.6 or higher: wp theme list --fields=name,version | grep chankhe📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- WordPress logs showing plugin activation by non-admin users
- Unexpected plugin activation events in audit logs
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with action=activate-plugin by non-admin users
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (event="plugin_activated" OR uri_path="/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php") AND user_role!="administrator"