CVE-2023-46623 – This vulnerability allows remote code execution... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-46623?

CVE-2023-46623 has a CVSS score of 9.9 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability allows remote code execution in the WP EXtra WordPress plugin through improper .htaccess file modification. Attackers can inject malicious code that gets executed on the server. All WordPress sites using WP EXtra versions up to 6.2 are affected.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows remote code execution in the WP EXtra WordPress plugin through improper .htaccess file modification. Attackers can inject malicious code that gets executed on the server. All WordPress sites using WP EXtra versions up to 6.2 are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

TienCOP WP EXtra WordPress Plugin

Versions: All versions up to and including 6.2

Operating Systems: Any OS running WordPress

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires WordPress installation with WP EXtra plugin active.

📦 What is this software?

Wp Extra by Wpvnteam

View all CVEs affecting Wp Extra →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete server compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal data, install malware, or pivot to other systems.

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution leading to website defacement, data theft, or installation of backdoors for persistent access.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if proper file permissions and web application firewalls block unauthorized .htaccess modifications.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

Exploitation involves modifying .htaccess files to inject malicious code that gets executed.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Version after 6.2

Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/wp-extra/wordpress-wp-extra-plugin-6-2-remote-code-execution-rce-via-htaccess-modification-vulnerability

Restart Required: No

Instructions:

1. Update WP EXtra plugin to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify update completed successfully. 3. Check .htaccess files for unauthorized modifications.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable WP EXtra Plugin

all

Temporarily deactivate the vulnerable plugin until patched

wp plugin deactivate wp-extra

Restrict .htaccess File Permissions

linux

Set strict permissions on .htaccess files to prevent unauthorized modifications

chmod 644 .htaccess
chown root:www-data .htaccess

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block .htaccess modification attempts
Monitor .htaccess files for unauthorized changes using file integrity monitoring

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check WordPress admin panel for WP EXtra plugin version. If version is 6.2 or lower, system is vulnerable.

Check Version:

wp plugin get wp-extra --field=version

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify WP EXtra plugin version is higher than 6.2 and check .htaccess files for any suspicious code injections.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unauthorized .htaccess file modifications
Suspicious POST requests to WP EXtra endpoints
Web server errors related to .htaccess parsing

Network Indicators:

Unusual outbound connections from web server
HTTP requests attempting to modify .htaccess files

SIEM Query:

source="web_server" AND ("wp-extra" OR ".htaccess") AND ("modification" OR "injection")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-46623

CVSS v3 Score: 9.9 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-94

Published: December 29, 2023

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

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