CVE-2023-48280
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a missing authorization vulnerability in the Consensu.IO WordPress plugin that allows unauthorized users to perform actions intended only for authenticated administrators. It affects all WordPress sites running the Consensu.IO plugin versions up to 1.0.1. The vulnerability enables privilege escalation and unauthorized access to administrative functions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Consensu.IO 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 control over the WordPress site, modify content, install malicious plugins/themes, steal sensitive data, or use the site as a platform for further attacks.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users accessing administrative functions, modifying plugin settings, or performing actions reserved for authenticated users.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation, strong authentication controls, and regular security monitoring in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Missing authorization vulnerabilities typically require minimal technical skill to exploit once the attack vector is identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after 1.0.1
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/consensu-io/wordpress-consensu-io-plugin-1-0-1-broken-access-control-vulnerability
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Consensu.IO plugin. 4. Check for available updates. 5. Update to latest version. 6. Verify plugin functionality after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate consensu-io
Restrict Access
linuxImplement IP-based access controls to WordPress admin areas
# Add to .htaccess for Apache: Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
Allow from 192.168.1.0/24
# Add to nginx config: allow 192.168.1.0/24; deny all;
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block unauthorized access attempts to plugin endpoints
- Enable detailed logging and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to administrative functions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for Consensu.IO versionCheck Version:
wp plugin get consensu-io --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is greater than 1.0.1 and test administrative functions with non-admin users📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with consensu-io parameters
- Non-admin users accessing administrative endpoints
- Failed authorization checks in WordPress debug logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to plugin-specific endpoints from unauthorized IPs
- Unusual POST requests to admin-ajax.php with consensu-io action parameters
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("consensu-io" OR "admin-ajax.php") AND (user_role!="administrator" OR user_id="0")