The digital ecosystem of WordPress plugins is vast and intricate, offering functionalities that stretch across countless use cases. However, this complexity sometimes comes at the cost of security. A recent discovery within the “Ditty” plugin, popular among 40,000 installations, unveils a severe security breach that must not be ignored (CVE-2024-6710).
| CVE | CVE-2024-6710 |
| Plugin | Ditty < 3.1.45 |
| Critical | High |
| All Time | 2 406 000 |
| Active installations | 40 000+ |
| Publicly Published | July 15, 2024 |
| Last Updated | July 15, 2024 |
| Researcher | Dmitrii Ignatyev |
| OWASP TOP-10 | A7: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) |
| PoC | Yes |
| Exploit | No |
| Reference | https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-6710 https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/1afcf9d4-c2f9-4d47-8d9e-d7fa6ae2358d/ |
| Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk |  |
| Logo of the plugin |  |
Timeline
| June 11, 2024 | Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the Ditty have been completed |
| June 11, 2024 | I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing |
| July 15, 2024 | Registered CVE-2024-6710 |
Discovery of the Vulnerability
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-6710, was unearthed during routine security testing aimed at ensuring the integrity and safety of WordPress plugins. This vulnerability allows an attacker, specifically those with contributor access or higher, to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.
Understanding of Stored XSS attack’s
Stored XSS attacks are particularly dangerous because the malicious script is saved on the server and then unwittingly executed by every user who accesses the affected page. In WordPress environments, this can lead to unauthorized administrative access, data theft, and even a complete site takeover.
Exploiting the Stored XSS Vulnerability
The exploit involves inserting a malicious script through the “Tiny MCE” block within a new Ditty post. Specifically, the attack vector is an image tag with a JavaScript payload that triggers when the image fails to load:
POC:
Create a new Ditty and add “Tiny MCE” block. Change main text field to <img src=x onerror=alert(1)>
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The risks associated with this vulnerability are substantial. They range from unauthorized administrative access to the potential for a persistent backdoor, which can lead to sustained control over the compromised site. This vulnerability could be used to redirect visitors, steal sensitive information, or serve malware.
Recommendations for Improved Security
To mitigate this vulnerability and enhance overall security, users of the Ditty plugin should:
- Immediately update the plugin to the latest version if a security patch is available.
- Regularly review and sanitize inputs across all forms and content blocks to prevent script injections.
- Implement a robust Content Security Policy (CSP) that restricts the sources from which scripts can be loaded.
- Educate users with administrative privileges about the risks of XSS and the importance of secure coding practices.
By taking proactive measures to address Stored XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-6710, 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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