CVE-2023-6846
Published: 05 February 2024
Summary
CVE-2023-6846 is a high-severity Code Injection (CWE-94) vulnerability in Filemanagerpro File Manager. Its CVSS base score is 8.8 (High).
Operationally, ranked in the top 5.7% 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 File Manager Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file upload in all versions through 8.3.4. The flaw exists in the mk_check_filemanager_php_syntax AJAX handler, which permits upload of files containing executable PHP code without adequate validation. This corresponds to CWE-434 and CWE-94 and carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8.
An authenticated attacker holding subscriber-level or higher privileges can invoke the affected AJAX function to upload a malicious file and subsequently execute arbitrary code on the server, achieving full compromise of the WordPress site and underlying host. No unauthenticated vector is described.
Public advisories from Wordfence and associated proof-of-concept references indicate that version 8.3.5 mitigates the issue by adding a capability check that restricts the function to administrators only; site owners are advised to update immediately. The EPSS score has remained flat at 0.1331 with no material increase since disclosure.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-59050
Vulnerability details
The File Manager Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Upload in all versions up to, and including, 8.3.4 via the mk_check_filemanager_php_syntax AJAX function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber access and above, to execute…
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code on the server. Version 8.3.5 introduces a capability check that prevents users lower than admin from executing this function.
- 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.
Dangerous file uploads can be detonated in the chamber to determine malice before any production write or execution occurs.
Requiring identifiable owners for portable devices reduces the attack surface for unrestricted uploads of dangerous file types via anonymous media.
Makes persistent code injection into loaded programs impossible when the executable image itself resides on hardware-protected read-only media.
Prevents unrestricted writing of arbitrary or malicious firmware by keeping hardware write-protect enabled except under tightly controlled manual procedures.
Validates inputs used in dynamic code generation to block injected directives.
Directly prevents execution of attacker-supplied code written into data memory regions.
Scans files from external sources on download/open/execute, blocking unrestricted uploads of dangerous file types.