CVE-2023-6373
📋 TL;DR
The ArtPlacer Widget WordPress plugin before version 2.20.7 contains a SQL injection vulnerability in the 'id' parameter that is not properly sanitized. This allows authenticated users with editor privileges or higher to execute arbitrary SQL queries on the database. The vulnerability is compounded by a lack of CSRF protection, enabling cross-site request forgery attacks against logged-in editors.
💻 Affected Systems
- ArtPlacer Widget WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data theft, privilege escalation, or remote code execution via database functions.
Likely Case
Authenticated attackers with editor access could extract sensitive data from the WordPress database, modify content, or create administrative accounts.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and input validation, the attack surface is limited to authorized users only, reducing the risk of widespread compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access (editor or higher) but is straightforward due to lack of input sanitization. CSRF vulnerability enables attacks without direct authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.20.7
Vendor Advisory: https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/afc11c92-a7c5-4e55-8f34-f2235438bd1b/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'ArtPlacer Widget' and check if update is available. 4. Click 'Update Now' to upgrade to version 2.20.7 or higher. 5. Verify the plugin version after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the ArtPlacer Widget plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate artplacer-widget
Restrict user privileges
allLimit editor and administrator accounts to trusted users only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block SQL injection patterns
- Apply principle of least privilege by reducing editor-level accounts to minimum necessary
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins → ArtPlacer Widget versionCheck Version:
wp plugin get artplacer-widget --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 2.20.7 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by editor-level access
- Unexpected plugin file modifications
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with SQL patterns in parameters
- Unusual database connection patterns from web server
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("artplacer" OR "admin-ajax.php") AND ("SELECT", "UNION", "INSERT", "DELETE")