CVE-2023-7268
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the ArtPlacer Widget WordPress plugin allows any authenticated user, including low-privilege subscribers, to delete arbitrary widgets without proper authorization checks. It affects WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of the plugin, potentially allowing malicious insiders or compromised accounts to disrupt site functionality.
💻 Affected Systems
- ArtPlacer Widget WordPress plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious authenticated users could systematically delete all widgets, causing complete loss of widget functionality and requiring manual restoration from backups.
Likely Case
Low-privilege users deleting key widgets, disrupting site layout and functionality until administrators restore them.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper authorization checks are implemented or vulnerable plugin is removed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is trivial for any authenticated user.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.21.2
Vendor Advisory: https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/9ac233dd-e00d-4aee-a41c-0de6e8aaefd7/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find ArtPlacer Widget plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available, or manually update to version 2.21.2 or later.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the ArtPlacer Widget plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate artplacer-widget
Restrict user registration
allDisable new user registration to limit potential attackers
In WordPress Settings > General, uncheck 'Anyone can register'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the ArtPlacer Widget plugin entirely if not essential
- Implement strict user access controls and monitor widget deletion activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for ArtPlacer Widget versionCheck Version:
wp plugin get artplacer-widget --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm ArtPlacer Widget plugin version is 2.21.2 or higher📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual widget deletion events from non-admin users
- Multiple DELETE requests to widget endpoints
Network Indicators:
- POST/DELETE requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with action=artplacer_delete_widget
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("artplacer_delete_widget" OR "widget deletion") AND user_role!="administrator"