CVE-2023-45045: 
WordPress vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2023-45045 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability affecting the WP Custom Widget area WordPress plugin through version 1.2.5. The vulnerability was discovered by Abdi Pranata and was publicly disclosed on October 3, 2023. This security issue impacts the WordPress plugin developed by Kishor Khambu, specifically affecting access control mechanisms within the widget area functionality (Patchstack, WPScan).

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) and has received a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.4 (Medium), with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L. The issue stems from missing capability checks on several functions corresponding to AJAX actions, which allows authenticated users with subscriber-level access or higher to access functionality intended for users with elevated privileges (Patchstack).

The vulnerability enables authenticated attackers with subscriber-level access and above to perform unauthorized actions, including the deletion and modification of widgets and menus created using the plugin. This represents a broken access control issue that could lead to unauthorized manipulation of widget configurations (WPScan).

Currently, there is no official fix available for this vulnerability. Patchstack has issued a virtual patch to mitigate the issue by blocking potential attacks until an official fix becomes available. Website administrators are advised to implement additional access controls or consider using alternative widget management solutions (Patchstack).