CVE-2024-3963 – RafflePress Lite – Stored XSS – POC

RafflePress Lite is WordPress plugin designed to help users drive traffic, grow their email lists, and boost social media engagement through viral giveaways and contests. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and pre-built actions, such as sharing on Facebook and Twitter, make it an easy-to-use tool for marketers and anyone looking to enhance audience engagement. However, a significant security flaw was discovered in versions prior to 1.12.14, allowing users with Editor+ rights to exploit a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This flaw poses a serious risk as it can lead to the theft of user and administrator credentials.

CVE	CVE-2024-3963
Plugin	RafflePress < 1.12.14
Critical	Low
All Time	393 639
Active installations	20 000+
Publicly Published	June 24, 2024
Last Updated	June 24, 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-2024-3963/ https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/827d738e-5369-431e-8438-b5c4d8c1f8f1/
Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk
Logo of the plugin

Timeline

March 27, 2024	Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the RafflePress Lite have been completed
March 27, 2024	I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing
June 24, 2024	Registered CVE-2024-3963

Discovery of the Vulnerability

The Stored XSS vulnerability in RafflePress Lite was discovered during a security audit. The vulnerability exists in the plugin’s classic Giveaway feature. Users with Editor+ rights can exploit this by switching to Edit HTML mode in the Description field of a giveaway and inserting malicious scripts. Once the giveaway is published and embedded in a WordPress page, the malicious script executes whenever the page is accessed, leading to potential credential theft and unauthorized actions.

Understanding of Stored XSS attack’s

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a common vulnerability that occurs when web applications allow users to inject malicious scripts into content that is then viewed by other users. In the context of WordPress, XSS vulnerabilities can be particularly dangerous, given the platform’s extensive use and the potential for attackers to compromise high-privilege accounts.

For example, if a plugin allows users to submit content that includes HTML or JavaScript without proper sanitization, an attacker can insert a script that steals cookies, redirects users to malicious websites, or performs actions on behalf of the logged-in user. This is especially dangerous in WordPress, where many plugins and themes provide rich text editing capabilities that can be exploited if not properly secured.

Exploiting the Stored XSS Vulnerability

To exploit the vulnerability in RafflePress Lite, an attacker with Editor+ rights can follow these steps::

POC:

1. Create a New Giveaway: The attacker creates a new classic Giveaway using the RafflePress Lite plugin.
2. Insert malicious script: By switching to HTML editing mode in the Description field, the attacker inserts any XSS payload.
3. Publish the Giveaway: The attacker publishes the giveaway.
4. Create a New Page: In the WordPress Pages tab, the attacker creates a new page and adds a RafflePress block, embedding the vulnerable giveaway.
5. Trigger the Attack: When a user visits the page, the injected script is executed, resulting in the stored XSS attack.

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The primary risk associated with this vulnerability is the potential for privilege escalation. An attacker with contributor-level access could exploit the XSS flaw to create an admin account, gaining full control over the WordPress site. This could lead to various malicious activities, including data theft, defacement, or further exploitation of the site’s resources.

In real-world scenarios, such a vulnerability could be used to compromise high-profile websites, leading to significant reputational damage and financial loss. Attackers could also use the compromised sites as a launchpad for broader campaigns, affecting even more users.

Recommendations for Improved Security

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-3963, several steps can be taken:

1. Update the Plugin: Ensure that the PostX plugin is updated to the latest version, which should include patches for the identified vulnerability.
2. Input Validation and Sanitization: Developers should implement robust input validation and sanitization to prevent the injection of malicious scripts.
3. Least Privilege Principle: Limit the permissions of user roles. Contributors should not have capabilities that could be exploited to escalate privileges.
4. Security Audits: Regular security audits and code reviews can help identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
5. User Training: Educate users about the risks of XSS and how to avoid creating or exposing vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, CVE-2024-3963 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of security in web development. By understanding and addressing such vulnerabilities, we can protect our sites and users from malicious attacks.

By taking proactive measures to address Stored XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-3963, 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.