Description
The Profile Builder – User Profile & User Registration Forms plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized password resets in versions up to, and including 3.9.0. This is due to the plugin using native password reset functionality, with insufficient validation on the password reset function (wppb_front_end_password_recovery). The function uses the plaintext value of a password reset key instead of a hashed value which means it can easily be retrieved and subsequently used. An attacker can leverage CVE-2023-0814, or another vulnerability like SQL Injection in another plugin or theme installed on the site to successfully exploit this vulnerability.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2023-33803
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability identified in the Profile Builder – User Profile & User Registration Forms plugin for WordPress (versions up to and including 3.9.0) allows for unauthorized password resets. This issue arises due to insufficient validation in the password reset function (wppb_front_end_password_recovery), which uses a plaintext value of a password reset key instead of a hashed value. This makes it easier for attackers to retrieve and use the key.
Severity Evaluation:
- CVSS Base Score: 9.8
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
The high CVSS score indicates a critical vulnerability. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires low complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H).
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Direct Exploitation: An attacker can exploit the vulnerability by intercepting the plaintext password reset key and using it to reset the password of any user account.
- Chained Exploitation: The vulnerability can be leveraged in conjunction with other vulnerabilities such as SQL Injection in other plugins or themes installed on the site. For example, CVE-2023-0814 could be used to gain initial access, followed by exploiting this vulnerability to reset passwords.
Exploitation Methods:
- Password Reset Key Interception: Attackers can intercept the plaintext password reset key through network sniffing or man-in-the-middle attacks.
- SQL Injection: If another plugin or theme has an SQL Injection vulnerability, attackers can use it to retrieve the plaintext password reset key from the database.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- Plugin: Profile Builder – User Profile & User Registration Forms
- Versions: All versions up to and including 3.9.0
Affected Systems:
- Any WordPress site using the affected versions of the Profile Builder plugin.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
- Immediate Patching: Upgrade the Profile Builder plugin to a version higher than 3.9.0, where the vulnerability has been addressed.
- Regular Updates: Ensure all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core are regularly updated to the latest versions.
- Security Plugins: Use security plugins like Wordfence to monitor and protect against vulnerabilities.
- Network Security: Implement network security measures such as SSL/TLS to encrypt data in transit and prevent interception of plaintext keys.
- Access Controls: Limit administrative access and enforce strong password policies.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to European organizations using the affected plugin. Unauthorized password resets can lead to account takeovers, data breaches, and loss of sensitive information. Given the widespread use of WordPress and the Profile Builder plugin, the impact could be extensive, affecting various sectors including e-commerce, healthcare, and governmental websites.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Function:
wppb_front_end_password_recovery - Issue: Uses plaintext password reset key instead of a hashed value.
- Exploitation: Attackers can intercept the plaintext key and use it to reset passwords.
Mitigation Steps:
- Code Review: Ensure that all password reset functionalities use hashed values instead of plaintext.
- Input Validation: Implement robust input validation and sanitization to prevent SQL Injection and other injection attacks.
- Encryption: Use encryption for sensitive data in transit and at rest.
- Monitoring: Implement logging and monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activities.
References:
By following these recommendations and staying vigilant, organizations can significantly reduce the risk associated with this vulnerability and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.