CVE-2023-4019 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting versions of the WordPress plugin 'Media from FTP' prior to 11.17. The root cause is an incorrect authorization control (CWE-863) that allows users with author-level privileges or higher to perform unauthorized file operations. Specifically, the plugin fails to properly restrict which users can move files within the WordPress installation. This flaw enables such users to move critical files, including wp-config.php, which contains sensitive configuration data such as database credentials and authentication keys. Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to remote code execution (RCE) in certain scenarios, as attackers may replace or manipulate core files to execute arbitrary code on the server. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting a network attack vector with low attack complexity, requiring privileges equivalent to an author role, no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for privilege escalation and server compromise. The plugin is widely used to manage media uploads via FTP in WordPress environments, making this vulnerability relevant to many websites that rely on this plugin for media management.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, particularly for those using WordPress with the Media from FTP plugin. Successful exploitation could lead to full compromise of the affected web server, resulting in data breaches, defacement, or use of the server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. Confidential information such as customer data, intellectual property, or internal credentials stored or processed by the affected site could be exposed or altered. Additionally, the integrity of the website content and availability of services could be disrupted, causing reputational damage and operational downtime. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, media, and critical infrastructure that rely on WordPress for their web presence are especially at risk. Given the plugin’s capability to move critical files, attackers could implant backdoors or malware, facilitating persistent access and lateral movement. The vulnerability’s exploitation does not require user interaction but does require author-level privileges, which means that compromised or malicious insiders, or attackers who have gained such privileges through other means, can leverage this flaw to escalate their control.

1. Immediate update: Organizations should update the Media from FTP plugin to version 11.17 or later, where the authorization checks have been corrected. 2. Privilege review: Conduct a thorough audit of WordPress user roles and permissions, ensuring that only trusted users have author-level or higher privileges. Remove or downgrade unnecessary elevated privileges. 3. File integrity monitoring: Implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes to critical files such as wp-config.php and other core WordPress files. 4. Web application firewall (WAF): Deploy or tune WAF rules to detect and block suspicious file manipulation requests targeting the plugin’s endpoints. 5. Access controls: Restrict administrative access to the WordPress backend via IP whitelisting or VPN to reduce the attack surface. 6. Logging and alerting: Enable detailed logging of file operations and user actions within WordPress and set up alerts for unusual activities, especially file moves or modifications. 7. Backup and recovery: Maintain regular, tested backups of the website and database to enable rapid restoration in case of compromise. 8. Security awareness: Educate users with author or higher privileges about the risks of phishing and credential theft, as attackers may leverage stolen credentials to exploit this vulnerability.