CVE-2023-35777
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a missing authorization vulnerability in The Events Calendar WordPress plugin that allows attackers to bypass access controls and perform unauthorized actions. It affects all WordPress sites running The Events Calendar plugin versions up to 6.1.2.2.
💻 Affected Systems
- The Events Calendar WordPress Plugin
⚠️ 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
Attackers could modify, delete, or create events without proper authorization, potentially defacing websites or disrupting event management systems.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users could manipulate event data they shouldn't have access to, leading to data integrity issues and unauthorized content changes.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and authentication mechanisms, impact would be limited to authorized users only performing intended actions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some level of access but bypasses authorization checks for specific actions.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.1.2.3 and later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins
3. Find The Events Calendar plugin
4. Click 'Update Now' if available
5. Alternatively, download version 6.1.2.3+ from WordPress.org and manually update
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Temporary Plugin Deactivation
allDisable the plugin until patched to prevent exploitation
wp plugin deactivate the-events-calendar
Access Restriction
allRestrict access to WordPress admin and event management interfaces
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and user role verification for all event management functions
- Monitor and audit all event creation/modification activities for unauthorized changes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > The Events Calendar version numberCheck Version:
wp plugin get the-events-calendar --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 6.1.2.3 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized event modifications
- Event creation by non-admin users
- Failed authorization attempts on event endpoints
Network Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with event-related actions
- Requests to event management endpoints from unauthorized IPs
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("event_calendar" OR "the-events-calendar") AND ("unauthorized" OR "permission denied" OR "access denied")