CVE-2023-2833
Published: 06 June 2023
Summary
CVE-2023-2833 is a high-severity Improper Privilege Management (CWE-269) vulnerability in Wpdeveloper Reviewx. Its CVSS base score is 8.8 (High).
Operationally, ranked in the top 3.5% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis
The ReviewX plugin for WordPress, in versions through 1.6.13, is affected by a privilege escalation vulnerability (CWE-269) caused by missing authorization checks on the rx_set_screen_options function. The flaw permits an authenticated user to supply the wp_screen_options[option] and wp_screen_options[value] parameters when updating screen options, thereby altering the user’s assigned role. The issue carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8.
An attacker holding only subscriber-level access can exploit the weakness over the network without user interaction, allowing the account to be escalated to an administrative role and granting full control over the WordPress site, including the ability to install plugins, modify content, or create additional privileged accounts.
Public references, including the Wordfence advisory and the plugin’s Trac changeset, indicate that the vendor released version 1.6.14 to restrict the function and that site owners should update immediately; the same sources also recommend verifying user roles after patching. The associated EPSS score has remained essentially flat near 0.27 with no material post-disclosure increase.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-34284
Vulnerability details
The ReviewX plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation in versions up to, and including, 1.6.13 due to insufficient restriction on the 'rx_set_screen_options' function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with minimal permissions such as a subscriber, to…
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modify their user role by supplying the 'wp_screen_options[option]' and 'wp_screen_options[value]' parameters during a screen option update.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Policy addresses roles, responsibilities, and privilege management to prevent improper privilege assignments.
Access supervision ensures privileges are assigned and managed without improper escalation or retention.
Assigning group/role memberships and access authorizations (privileges) while reviewing accounts addresses improper privilege management.
Enforces proper privilege management by requiring all decisions through the verified reference monitor.
By mandating division of duties across roles, the control enforces proper privilege management and prevents a single entity from controlling an entire sensitive process.
Implements core proper privilege management by restricting to only required rights.
Policy requires training on privilege management and least privilege, making it harder to exploit improper privilege management weaknesses.
Training covers proper privilege management practices, making incorrect privilege assignments less likely.