CVE-2023-47682
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated WordPress users to escalate their privileges to administrator level through the WP User Frontend plugin. It affects all WordPress sites running WP User Frontend plugin versions up to 3.6.5. Attackers with any user account can gain full administrative control of the WordPress installation.
💻 Affected Systems
- weDevs WP User Frontend 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
Complete site takeover where attackers gain administrator access, can install backdoors, modify content, steal data, or use the site for further attacks.
Likely Case
Authenticated attackers escalate to administrator and compromise the WordPress site, potentially leading to data theft, defacement, or malware distribution.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to detection and remediation of unauthorized privilege changes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once an attacker has any user account.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.6.6 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/wp-user-frontend/wordpress-wp-user-frontend-plugin-3-6-5-authenticated-privilege-escalation-vulnerability
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find WP User Frontend. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 3.6.6+ from WordPress.org and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WP User Frontend Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patching is possible
wp plugin deactivate wp-user-frontend
Restrict User Registration
allDisable new user registration to prevent attackers from creating accounts
Update WordPress Settings > General > Membership to uncheck 'Anyone can register'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable the WP User Frontend plugin immediately
- Implement strict user access monitoring and review all administrator accounts regularly
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for WP User Frontend version 3.6.5 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin get wp-user-frontend --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify WP User Frontend plugin is updated to version 3.6.6 or later in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected user role changes in WordPress logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful privilege escalation
- Administrator actions from previously non-admin users
Network Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to WP User Frontend endpoints from non-admin users
- Traffic patterns indicating privilege escalation attempts
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("role changed" OR "user_capabilities" OR "wp_user_frontend")🔗 References
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/wp-user-frontend/wordpress-wp-user-frontend-plugin-3-6-5-authenticated-privilege-escalation-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/wp-user-frontend/wordpress-wp-user-frontend-plugin-3-6-5-authenticated-privilege-escalation-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
