CVE-2023-1979: google web_stories Incorrect Authorization

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2023-1979 is a medium (CVSS 6.5) Incorrect Authorization vulnerability in google web_stories. EPSS estimates a 0.44% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 37% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 08-05-2023
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 28-01-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

The Web Stories for WordPress plugin supports the WordPress built-in functionality of protecting content with a password. The content is then only accessible to website visitors after entering the password. In WordPress, users with the "Author" role can create stories, but don't have the ability to edit password protected stories. The vulnerability allowed users with said role to bypass this permission check when trying to duplicate the protected story in the plugin's own dashboard, giving them access to the seemingly protected content. We recommend upgrading to version 1.32 or beyond commit  ad49781c2a35c5c92ef704d4b621ab4e5cb77d68 https://github.com/GoogleForCreators/web-stories-wp/commit/ad49781c2a35c5c92ef704d4b621ab4e5cb77d68

• CWE-863Incorrect AuthorizationThe product performs an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action, but it does not correctly perform the check.