CVE-2023-6421
Exposed Creds in W3Eden Download Manager ≤ 3.2.83
Raw vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:NSummary
CVE-2023-6421 is a high-severity Insufficiently Protected Credentials (CWE-522) vulnerability in W3Eden Download Manager. Its CVSS base score is 7.5 (High).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Unsecured Credentials (T1552); ranked in the top 17% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
The strongest mitigations our analysis identified map to SC-28 (Protection of Information at Rest) and SC-8 (Transmission Confidentiality and Integrity) — see the control section below for these in your framework.
Deeper analysis AI-assisted summary
Synthesised by an AI model from the NVD description and linked references — a reading aid, not an authoritative source.
The Download Manager WordPress plugin before version 3.2.83 is affected by an information disclosure vulnerability tracked as CVE-2023-6421. The flaw, assigned CWE-522, stems from insufficient protection of passwords used to restrict file downloads; submitting an invalid password causes the valid password to be leaked in the response. The issue carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5, reflecting network-accessible exploitation with no required authentication or user interaction and a high impact on confidentiality.
An unauthenticated remote attacker can trigger the flaw simply by requesting a password-protected download with an incorrect password value. Successful exploitation reveals the correct password, allowing the attacker to bypass the intended access control and retrieve the protected files.
The vulnerability is detailed in the WPScan advisory referenced at https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/244c7c00-fc8d-4a73-bbe0-7865c621d410, which identifies the affected plugin versions and the conditions under which the password leak occurs. The current EPSS score of 0.8236, with a peak of 0.8244, indicates sustained exploitation interest without a material rise from a low baseline.
OWASP Top 10 for Web (2025)
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-58658
Vulnerability Data
The Download Manager WordPress plugin before 3.2.83 does not protect file download's passwords, leaking it upon receiving an invalid one.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise Techniques
CVEs Like This One
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Control response
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- 1 hardening rule · 1 OS baseline
V11.3.3
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5) AI
Protection of information at rest requires encryption or equivalent safeguards for stored credentials.
Transmission confidentiality and integrity enforcement stops credentials from being sent in plaintext or without protection.
Authenticator management requires secure generation, storage, and distribution of credentials, directly stopping insecure methods.
Mitigating Controls (NIST CSF 2.0) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→CSF cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Encrypting data-at-rest fully prevents insecure credential storage while only partially satisfying the broader data-protection outcome.
Encrypting data-in-transit fully prevents interception of credentials in motion while only partially satisfying the broader data-protection outcome.
Credential management practices directly reduce insecure storage/transmission but do not guarantee encryption or transport protection.
Protecting identity assertions covers conveyance of credentials but is narrower than full credential lifecycle protection.
Authentication policies can enforce stronger credential handling yet address only verification, not storage or transit protection.
Mitigating Controls (ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→ISO cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Requiring protected storage, transmission, and non-display of passwords prevents credentials from being stored or sent in clear text where they can be harvested by unauthorized actors.
Protecting secret and private keys against disclosure and unauthorized use decreases the exposure of credentials that are stored or transmitted in recoverable form.
Forbidding clear-text transmission and display of passwords, plus the use of stronger alternatives to passwords, prevents credentials from being obtained or reused by attackers.
Acceptable-use expectations that cover protection of credentials and information assets throughout their lifecycle discourage practices that expose or mishandle authentication material.
Contractual clauses that survive termination help ensure that credentials and other secrets are not retained or misused after employment ends.
Regular reminders about password security and personal accountability make users less likely to store or transmit credentials in cleartext or other unprotected forms.