In September 2023, a new WordPress vulnerability was discovered and cataloged as CVE-2023-44234. This flaw affects the popular *WP GPX Map* plugin by Bastianon Massimo, potentially putting thousands of WordPress sites at risk. In plain terms, this vulnerability lets any user, even those not logged in, perform actions that only admins should be able to do. If your site uses WP GPX Map up to version 1.7.08, it's important that you read this guide and update your plugin fast.

What Is WP GPX Map?

WP GPX Map is a plugin that lets WordPress users display GPX tracks (commonly used for GPS data) on interactive maps. It's widely used by travel blogs and sports websites.

What Is CVE-2023-44234?

This vulnerability is called a Missing Authorization flaw. It means one or more plugin actions can be triggered by any website visitor, whether they're logged in or not. The plugin does not properly check if the user has permission to run certain functions, and that can lead to data leaks or even changes on your site.

Who Is Impacted?

Every WordPress site running *WP GPX Map* version 1.7.08 or lower (from n/a to 1.7.08, inclusive) is vulnerable, according to the official advisory from Patchstack.

Technical Details: Where’s the Problem?

The main issue is in the plugin's "admin" AJAX actions. These actions should be protected so only admins or logged-in users can access them. But due to missing checks, anyone can call scripts that are supposed to run only for admins.

Suppose the plugin’s PHP file has code like this

add_action( 'wp_ajax_update_gpx', 'update_gpx_data' );
// Missing authorization check!
// No 'wp_ajax_nopriv_update_gpx' defined, but 'wp_ajax_update_gpx' should check for capability

function update_gpx_data() {
    // No check for current_user_can('manage_options') or nonce verification!
    // Do data processing...
}

Instead of first checking the user's capability, the code just runs. A secure plugin would do something like:

function update_gpx_data() {
    if ( ! current_user_can('manage_options') ) {
        wp_send_json_error('Not authorized');
        return;
    }
    // Process GPX update...
}

But WP GPX Map misses this step, so *anyone* can call certain AJAX actions!

Exploit Scenario

An attacker can send a POST request to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with a specific action parameter (like update_gpx). They don't need to be logged in.

Sample exploit

curl -d "action=update_gpx&data=malicious+code" https://victimsite.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php

Disrupt maps or even make your site unusable

In proof-of-concept code, attackers test variations of the AJAX action parameter to find what works on your site.

Real-World Example

Suppose you have WP GPX Map enabled on your hiking blog. The attacker discovers you’re using a vulnerable version. With a few simple POST requests, they could:

1. Update Immediately!

The plugin author released version 1.7.09, which fixes this issue. Go to your WordPress dashboard and update WP GPX Map now.

2. Audit Plugins For Security

Always check if plugins verify user permissions on sensitive actions (use of current_user_can() in code).

3. Monitor Logs

Review your server’s access logs for suspicious POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php.

References and More Reading

- Official CVE report: CVE-2023-44234 @ NVD
- Patchstack database entry
- WP GPX Maps Plugin @ WordPress.org
- Wordfence coverage

Conclusion

*CVE-2023-44234* is an example of a simple, but dangerous, oversight in plugin coding. Missing authorization checks can put your whole website in danger. If you use WP GPX Map, *upgrade right away*! And always make sure plugins are up-to-date and coded with strong permission controls.


Stay safe, and happy hiking! 🚶‍♂️🗺️

If you have questions, ask below or check the references above for more technical info.

Timeline

Published on: 06/12/2024 10:15:27 UTC
Last modified on: 06/13/2024 18:36:09 UTC