Unauthorized Data Access in W3 Total Cache Plugin for WordPress

CVE-2024-12365

What is CVE-2024-12365?

CVE-2024-12365 is a vulnerability found in the W3 Total Cache plugin for WordPress, developed by Boldgrid. This plugin is designed to enhance the performance of WordPress sites through caching mechanisms that improve load times and overall efficiency. The identified vulnerability stems from a missing capability check in a specific function, allowing attackers with minimal access rights (Subscriber-level and above) to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations utilizing this plugin may face severe consequences, including information leakage, unauthorized actions, and potential manipulation of service plans, which can ultimately undermine the security and reliability of their web applications.

Technical Details

The vulnerability is associated with the is_w3tc_admin_page function in the W3 Total Cache plugin, present in all versions up to and including 2.8.1. The lack of proper capability checks permits authenticated attackers to access a nonce value for the plugin, enabling them to execute actions that should otherwise be restricted. This oversight creates pathways for adversaries to perform unauthorized operations, leading to serious concerns regarding data integrity and application security.

Potential Impact of CVE-2024-12365

1. Unauthorized Data Disclosure: Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information stored within the plugin, potentially exposing user data or other confidential information that could harm the organization.

2. Service Abuse: By manipulating the plugin’s functionalities, attackers may consume service plan limits excessively, potentially resulting in degraded service for legitimate users and incurring additional costs to the affected organization.

3. Information Leaks to External Entities: The vulnerability allows for unauthorized web requests to be made from the application to arbitrary locations, which could lead to unintended interactions with internal services and the exposure of critical instance metadata, compromising the entire cloud-based infrastructure.

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