CVE-2023-49830 – This vulnerability allows remote code execution... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-49830?

CVE-2023-49830 has a CVSS score of 9.9 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability allows remote code execution (RCE) in the Astra Pro WordPress plugin. Attackers can inject and execute arbitrary code on affected websites. All WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of Astra Pro are affected.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows remote code execution (RCE) in the Astra Pro WordPress plugin. Attackers can inject and execute arbitrary code on affected websites. All WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of Astra Pro are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Brainstorm Force Astra Pro WordPress Plugin

Versions: All versions up to and including 4.3.1

Operating Systems: Any OS running WordPress

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires contributor-level access or higher to exploit. Affects all WordPress installations using vulnerable Astra Pro versions.

📦 What is this software?

Astra by Brainstormforce

View all CVEs affecting Astra →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete compromise of the WordPress site, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, install backdoors, steal data, deface the site, or pivot to other systems.

🟠

Likely Case

Attackers gain unauthorized access to the WordPress site, potentially compromising sensitive data, injecting malicious content, or using the site for further attacks.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to potential data exposure or temporary service disruption.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: LOW

Exploitation requires contributor-level WordPress access. Public proof-of-concept code exists.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 4.3.2 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/astra-addon/wordpress-astra-pro-plugin-4-3-1-contributor-remote-code-execution-rce-vulnerability?_s_id=cve

Restart Required: No

Instructions:

1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Astra Pro and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify version is 4.3.2 or higher.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable Astra Pro Plugin

all

Temporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched

wp plugin deactivate astra-addon

Restrict Contributor Access

all

Limit contributor accounts to trusted users only

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement strict access controls for contributor roles
Enable web application firewall (WAF) with RCE protection rules

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for Astra Pro version

Check Version:

wp plugin get astra-addon --field=version

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify Astra Pro version is 4.3.2 or higher in WordPress admin

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual PHP file uploads or modifications
Suspicious POST requests to Astra Pro endpoints
Unexpected contributor account activity

Network Indicators:

HTTP requests containing code injection patterns to /wp-content/plugins/astra-addon/
Unusual outbound connections from web server

SIEM Query:

source="wordpress.log" AND ("astra-addon" OR "astra-pro") AND ("eval" OR "system" OR "exec" OR "shell_exec")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-49830

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

📤 Share & Export

📄 Export Markdown 📋 Export JSON

🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

If you're affected by CVE-2023-49830, you might also want to check these: