CVE-2023-51500
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2023-51500 is a missing authorization vulnerability in the Uncode Core WordPress plugin that allows attackers to delete arbitrary files on affected systems. This affects all WordPress sites running Uncode Core versions up to 2.8.8. Attackers can exploit this to delete critical files, potentially causing service disruption or complete site compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Uncode Core 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 compromise through deletion of critical WordPress files (wp-config.php, .htaccess, etc.), leading to data loss, site defacement, or permanent unavailability.
Likely Case
Selective file deletion causing site functionality disruption, content loss, or privilege escalation through deletion of security/configuration files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions and web application firewalls block unauthorized requests, though risk remains if vulnerable version is exposed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires sending crafted HTTP requests to vulnerable endpoints. Public proof-of-concept code exists demonstrating file deletion.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.8.9 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/uncode-core/wordpress-uncode-core-plugin-2-8-8-arbitrary-file-deletion-vulnerability
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find Uncode Core plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. Alternatively, download version 2.8.9+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Uncode Core plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate uncode-core
Web Application Firewall rule
linuxBlock requests to vulnerable Uncode Core endpoints
# Add to .htaccess for Apache:
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} ^.*uncode-core.*$
RewriteRule ^.*$ - [F,L]
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (755 for directories, 644 for files) to limit damage from file deletion attempts
- Enable comprehensive backups with frequent snapshots to restore deleted files quickly
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Uncode Core version. If version is 2.8.8 or lower, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get uncode-core --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Uncode Core plugin version is 2.8.9 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with 'action' parameter containing 'uncode' patterns
- File deletion events in web server logs for non-admin users
- 404 errors for critical files that previously existed
Network Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to WordPress admin-ajax.php endpoint with uncode-related parameters
- Multiple file deletion attempts within short timeframes
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php" AND post_data CONTAINS "uncode") AND response_code=200