CVE-2023-4521

Import XML and RSS Feeds < 2.1.5 - Unauthenticated RCE

Critical · published September 25, 2023

CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
41%
Percentile
98.7
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A web shell lurking in the Import XML and RSS Feeds WordPress plugin is like a secret backdoor left wide open — and it’s all because the latest version didn’t clean up after itself! 🔥 Think of it like a restaurant that forgets to lock the back door after a delivery, leaving anyone who knows about it free to wander in and access the kitchen. That's exactly what’s happening here with this vulnerable plugin! An unauthenticated attacker could slip in through that backdoor and execute code remotely, gaining full control over your WordPress site. Imagine them cooking up their own malicious recipes — changing content, stealing sensitive data, or even taking down the whole site! It's absolutely devastating if left unchecked.

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant that forgets to lock the back door after a delivery, leaving anyone who knows about it free to wander in and access the kitchen. That's exactly what’s happening here with this vulnerable plugin! The vulnerability in the Import XML and RSS Feeds plugin allows attackers to leverage a web shell created during testing, enabling full remote code execution without any authentication checks. This is due to the failure to delete certain files before the release of version 2.1.5.

What to do

An unauthenticated attacker could slip in through that backdoor and execute code remotely, gaining full control over your WordPress site. Imagine them cooking up their own malicious recipes — changing content, stealing sensitive data, or even taking down the whole site! It's absolutely devastating if left unchecked. Immediately update the plugin to version 2.1.5 to close this backdoor. Also, conduct a security review to ensure no leftover files from previous setups remain in your installation. It’s a good idea to also monitor any unusual activity on your site just in case. You've got this! Follow these steps, and you’ll safeguard your WordPress site in no time! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.40828 · 98.7th percentile
Published
2023-09-25T15:56Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 25 SEP 15:56Z
    Import XML and RSS Feeds < 2.1.5 - Unauthenticated RCE
    cvelistv5