CVE-2023-44142
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a missing authorization vulnerability in the Inactive Logout WordPress plugin that allows attackers to bypass access controls. It affects all versions up to 3.2.2, potentially enabling unauthorized users to access restricted functionality. WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of this plugin are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Inactive Logout 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 gain administrative privileges, modify plugin settings, or access sensitive user session data, potentially leading to site compromise.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users could modify logout settings, disable security features, or access plugin configuration pages they shouldn't have access to.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and authentication checks, impact would be limited to authorized users only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some level of access but missing authorization checks make it straightforward for authenticated attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.2.3 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins
3. Find 'Inactive Logout' plugin
4. Click 'Update Now' if update available
5. Alternatively, download version 3.2.3+ from WordPress repository and manually update
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate inactive-logout
Restrict Access
allImplement additional access controls via .htaccess or web application firewall
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict role-based access controls and monitor for unauthorized access attempts
- Deploy web application firewall rules to block suspicious access patterns to plugin endpoints
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Inactive Logout version. If version is 3.2.2 or earlier, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get inactive-logout --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 3.2.3 or later in WordPress admin panel and test access controls.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to /wp-admin/admin.php?page=inactive-logout
- Multiple failed authorization attempts from single IP
Network Indicators:
- Unusual POST/GET requests to plugin admin endpoints from unauthorized users
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND (uri_path="/wp-admin/admin.php" AND query_string="page=inactive-logout") AND user_role!="administrator"