CVE-2023-40211
Published: 30 November 2023
Summary
CVE-2023-40211 is a high-severity Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor (CWE-200) vulnerability in Pickplugins Post Grid Combo. Its CVSS base score is 7.5 (High).
Operationally, ranked in the top 3.1% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Deeper analysis
CVE-2023-40211 is an exposure of sensitive information vulnerability affecting the PickPlugins Post Grid Combo plugin for WordPress, specifically versions through 2.2.50. The flaw, tracked under CWE-200, allows unauthorized actors to access sensitive data and carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5 reflecting network attack vector, low complexity, and no required privileges or user interaction.
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit the issue over the network to obtain confidential information stored or processed by the plugin. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls that expose data to any party able to reach the affected WordPress instance.
Advisories published on Patchstack document the sensitive-data exposure and identify the affected plugin versions, directing administrators to apply updates once released by the vendor.
EPSS scores for the CVE rose from a low baseline to a peak of 0.5275 on 2025-12-11 before receding to the current value of 0.3150, indicating increased exploitation interest after public disclosure.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-44808
Vulnerability details
Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor vulnerability in PickPlugins Post Grid Combo – 36+ Gutenberg Blocks.This issue affects Post Grid Combo – 36+ Gutenberg Blocks: from n/a through 2.2.50.
- 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.
Automated marking applies security attributes to system outputs, making it harder for attackers to exploit unmarked sensitive information leading to unauthorized exposure.
Proper attribute retention and permitted-value enforcement limits unauthorized actors from accessing sensitive information lacking correct labels.
Prevents unauthorized exposure of sensitive information by prohibiting untrusted external systems from processing or storing it.
By enforcing authorization matching prior to sharing, the control reduces the risk of exposing sensitive information to unauthorized actors.
Review and removal of nonpublic information from publicly accessible systems directly prevents exposure of sensitive data to unauthorized actors.
Data mining protection mechanisms detect and block unauthorized bulk extraction of sensitive data, directly mitigating exposure to unauthorized actors.
Literacy training teaches users to recognize and avoid actions that result in unauthorized exposure of sensitive information.
Retaining and monitoring training records confirms personnel have completed privacy and security awareness training on handling sensitive data, reducing the chance of unauthorized exposure due to lack of knowledge.