External Database Based Actions: Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel
CVE-2024-10311 is a high-severity authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel vulnerability in External Database Based Actions from Cmorillas1, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected External Database Based Actions versions: 0.1 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.45% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of External Database Based Actions you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cmorillas1 | External Database Based Actions | 0.1 and earlier | Not stated |
| WordPress | external_database_based_actions | 0.1 and earlier | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (wordfence.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
The External Database Based Actions plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authentication bypass in versions up to, and including, 0.1. This is due to a missing capability check in the 'edba_admin_handle' function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level permissions and above, to update the plugin settings and log in as any existing user on the site, such as an administrator.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel
The product requires authentication, but the product has an alternate path or channel that does not require authentication.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Funnel all access through a single choke point to simplify how users can access a resource. For every access, perform a check to determine if the user has permissions to access the resource.
More Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerabilities (CWE-288)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
Other references
Recent Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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