CVE-2023-40670
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Missing Authorization vulnerability in the ReviewX WordPress plugin that allows attackers to bypass access controls and perform unauthorized actions. All WordPress sites running ReviewX versions up to 1.6.17 are affected. The vulnerability stems from incorrectly configured security levels that fail to properly validate user permissions.
💻 Affected Systems
- ReviewX WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
Reviewx by Wpdeveloper
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could modify or delete reviews, manipulate ratings, or potentially access administrative functions depending on the specific broken access control points.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users could submit, edit, or delete reviews they shouldn't have access to, compromising review integrity and potentially affecting business reputation.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and authentication checks, only authorized users can perform review-related actions as intended.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some level of access but minimal technical skill due to missing authorization checks.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.6.18 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/reviewx/vulnerability/wordpress-reviewx-plugin-1-6-17-broken-access-control-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find ReviewX and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify version is 1.6.18 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable ReviewX Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate reviewx
Restrict Access via WAF
allConfigure web application firewall to block unauthorized review-related requests
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict role-based access controls at application level
- Monitor and audit all review modification activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > ReviewX version. If version is 1.6.17 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get reviewx --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify ReviewX version shows 1.6.18 or higher in WordPress plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized POST requests to reviewx endpoints
- Review modifications from non-admin users
- Failed authorization attempts on review functions
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to /wp-content/plugins/reviewx/ with unauthorized user agents
- Unexpected review submission patterns
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND (uri_path="/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php" AND parameters CONTAINS "reviewx") AND user_role!="administrator"