CVE-2023-4269 is a security vulnerability identified in the User Activity Log WordPress plugin versions prior to 1.6.6. The core issue is an Incorrect Authorization (CWE-863) flaw that allows any authenticated user, including low-privilege roles such as subscribers, to export activity logs without proper permission checks. These logs may contain personally identifiable information (PII), including email addresses, which can be accessed and extracted by unauthorized users. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication, and the attack vector is network-based (remote). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3, reflecting a medium severity level due to the limited confidentiality impact and no impact on integrity or availability. The vulnerability arises because the plugin fails to enforce role-based access control on the export functionality, exposing sensitive user data to any logged-in user regardless of their privileges. There are no known exploits in the wild as of the published date, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability affects all versions before 1.6.6, but the exact affected versions are not fully enumerated in the provided data. This issue is significant because WordPress is widely used across many organizations, and plugins like User Activity Log are common for monitoring user actions. The exposure of PII can lead to privacy violations and may facilitate further attacks such as phishing or social engineering.

For European organizations, the exposure of PII such as email addresses through this vulnerability can have several consequences. Firstly, it risks non-compliance with GDPR regulations, which mandate strict controls over personal data access and processing. Unauthorized access to user emails can lead to targeted phishing campaigns, increasing the risk of credential theft or malware infections. Although the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the confidentiality breach alone can damage organizational reputation and lead to regulatory fines. Organizations relying on WordPress with the User Activity Log plugin, especially those with many low-privilege users (e.g., subscriber roles for customers or members), are at risk. This is particularly critical for sectors handling sensitive user data, such as healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. The lack of authentication bypass means attackers need valid credentials, but given that subscriber accounts are often easy to create or compromise, the barrier is low. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain to gather intelligence for subsequent attacks.

1. Immediate upgrade to User Activity Log plugin version 1.6.6 or later once available, as this is the definitive fix for the authorization flaw. 2. Until patching is possible, restrict plugin access by limiting user roles that can log in or interact with the plugin, especially removing subscriber or low-privilege roles from accessing the export functionality. 3. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to monitor and block suspicious export requests originating from low-privilege accounts. 4. Conduct an audit of user roles and permissions in WordPress to ensure least privilege principles are enforced, removing unnecessary accounts or privileges. 5. Monitor logs for unusual export activity or bulk data access attempts. 6. Educate users about phishing risks, as exposed emails may be targeted. 7. Consider disabling the export feature temporarily if feasible, or restricting it via custom code or access control plugins until the official patch is applied. 8. Review and enhance overall WordPress security posture, including multi-factor authentication for all users and regular plugin updates.