CVE-2023-3956 Missing authorization in InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration

Critical 9.8 Published 27 Jul 2023 Updated 8 Apr 2026

Unauthenticated attackers can modify posts, users, and plugins, or install plugins due to missing capability checks in the InstaWP Connect WordPress plugin.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2023-3956?

CVE-2023-3956 is a critical missing authorization vulnerability in InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration, published on 27 Jul 2023. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

The InstaWP Connect plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data, modification of data and loss of data due to a missing capability check on the 'events_receiver' function in versions up to, and including, 0.0.9.18. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to add, modify or delete post and taxonomy, install, activate or deactivate plugin, change customizer settings, add or modify or delete user including administrator user.

Weakness: CWE-862

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-3956?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Instawp Instawp Connect.

How do I fix CVE-2023-3956?

No fix has been published for CVE-2023-3956 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and check permissions on every request on the server, not only in the interface. More about Missing authorization.

Is CVE-2023-3956 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-3956 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-84qr-g4jc-2m5f.