CVE-2024-13514 identifies an improper access control vulnerability (CWE-284) in the B Slider- Gutenberg Slider Block for WordPress plugin, specifically affecting all versions up to 1.9.5. The vulnerability is triggered via the 'bsb-slider' shortcode, which lacks sufficient restrictions on which posts can be included. This flaw enables authenticated users with Contributor-level permissions or higher to access private post data that should normally be restricted. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to enforce proper authorization checks when rendering content through the shortcode, thereby exposing sensitive information. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication and can be exploited remotely over the network. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.3 reflects a low complexity attack vector (network), low attack complexity, and privileges required at the contributor level, with no user interaction needed. The impact is limited to confidentiality, with no effect on integrity or availability. No patches or official fixes have been linked yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for WordPress sites that use the B Slider plugin to manage private content, as it could lead to unauthorized data disclosure within an organization or to external attackers who have obtained contributor-level credentials.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is unauthorized disclosure of private post content within WordPress sites using the affected B Slider plugin. Organizations relying on this plugin for content management risk leakage of sensitive or confidential information to users who should not have access, potentially violating privacy policies and regulatory requirements. While the vulnerability does not affect data integrity or availability, the exposure of private data can lead to reputational damage, loss of trust, and potential compliance violations. Attackers or malicious insiders with contributor-level access can exploit this flaw to gather intelligence or sensitive business information. Given WordPress's widespread use globally, the scope of affected systems is significant, especially for organizations that use this plugin to manage private or restricted content. Although exploitation requires authentication, contributor-level access is relatively low privilege, making this vulnerability more accessible than those requiring administrator rights. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability remains a concern until patched or mitigated.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should first verify if they are using the B Slider- Gutenberg Slider Block for WP plugin and identify the version in use. Immediate mitigation steps include restricting contributor-level access to trusted users only and auditing user roles to minimize unnecessary privileges. Administrators should monitor shortcode usage and private post access logs for suspicious activity. Since no official patch is currently linked, organizations can implement temporary workarounds such as disabling the 'bsb-slider' shortcode or removing the plugin until a fix is released. Custom code can be added to enforce stricter access controls on shortcode rendering, ensuring private posts are not exposed to unauthorized users. Regularly updating WordPress core and plugins, subscribing to vendor security advisories, and applying patches promptly once available are critical. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all authenticated users can reduce the risk of compromised contributor accounts being used to exploit this vulnerability.