In the realm of web development, security vulnerabilities can have far-reaching impacts, potentially jeopardizing the integrity and safety of websites. One such vulnerability, CVE-2024-3288, has been identified in the Logo Slider plugin for WordPress. This plugin, widely used for showcasing logos of clients, partners, and sponsors, is vulnerable to Stored XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks. This article explores the discovery, understanding, exploitation, and mitigation of this vulnerability, emphasizing its implications for WordPress site security.
| CVE | CVE-2024-3288 |
| Plugin | Logo Slider |
| Critical | High |
| All Time | 321 050 |
| Active installations | 20 000+ |
| Publicly Published | May 17, 2024 |
| Last Updated | May 17, 2024 |
| Researcher | Artyom Krugov |
| OWASP TOP-10 | A7: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) |
| PoC | Yes |
| Exploit | No |
| Reference | https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-3288/ https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/4ef99f54-68df-4353-8fc0-9b09ac0df7ba/ |
| Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk |  |
| Logo of the plugin |  |
Timeline
| April 2, 2024 | Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the Logo Slider have been completed |
| April 2, 2024 | I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing |
| May 17, 2024 | Registered CVE-2024-3288 |
Discovery of the Vulnerability
During security testing of the Logo Slider plugin, researchers discovered a critical Stored XSS vulnerability. This flaw can be exploited by users with member rights and above, which allows them to inject malicious JavaScript code into certain fields without proper cleaning. The vulnerability was discovered on the “Shortcode Generator” tab in the “Header” section, namely in the “Header” and “subtitle” fields. These fields do not allow you to filter out malicious scripts, which makes the plugin vulnerable to XSS attacks.
Understanding of Stored XSS attack’s
Stored XSS is a type of Cross-Site Scripting attack where malicious scripts are injected into a web application and stored on the server. When other users access the affected content, the script executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or malware distribution. In WordPress, Stored XSS vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to manipulate site content, compromise user accounts, and spread malicious code.
Exploiting the Stored XSS Vulnerability
The PoC for exploiting CVE-2024-3288 involves creating a new post with the following block:
POC:
When testing the Logo Slider plugin, a Stored XSS vulnerability was found from a user with Contributor rights and higher. The payload used to exploit the vulnerability:
- POC payload: test'” onmouseover=”alert(MALICIOUS_FUNCTION_HERE)”‘/
____
When testing the Logo Slider plugin, a Stored XSS vulnerability was discovered, discovered by a user with participant rights and higher. On this path, there is an unsafe Logo Slider field on the control panel, after that you need to go to the “Shortcode Generator” tab and select two fields: Title and subtitle, which do not have filtering in relation to JavaScript
The implications of this vulnerability are significant:
- Admin Account Creation: By exploiting this flaw, attackers can escalate their privileges, creating new admin accounts and gaining full control over the WordPress site.
- Data Theft: With admin access, attackers can exfiltrate sensitive data, including user information, financial records, and proprietary content.
- Site Defacement: Malicious actors can alter the site’s appearance, inject further malicious code, or display unauthorized content.
- Backdoor Implementation: Attackers can install backdoors, ensuring they maintain access to the site even if their initial entry point is discovered and patched.
Recommendations for Improved Security
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-3288 and enhance overall security, the following steps are recommended:
- Update the Plugin: Ensure the Logo Slider plugin is updated to the latest version that includes security patches for this vulnerability.
- Input Validation and Sanitization: Implement robust input validation and output sanitization to prevent the injection of malicious scripts. All user input should be properly escaped before being rendered.
- Access Control: Limit the roles and permissions of users who can access sensitive fields and functionalities. Ensure that only trusted users have Contributor or higher access.
- Security Plugins: Utilize security plugins and web application firewalls (WAF) to detect and block malicious activities in real-time.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
By taking proactive measures to address Stored XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-3288, WordPress website owners can enhance their security posture and safeguard against potential exploitation. Stay vigilant, stay secure.
#WordPressSecurity #StoredXSS #WebsiteSafety #StayProtected #VeryHighVulnerability
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ARTYOM K.
