The WPS Hide Login WordPress plugin before version 1.9.1 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to access the secret login page by sending a crafted request to /wp-admin/options.php with a random referer string. This vulnerability is classified as high severity with a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating a significant risk to organizations using this plugin.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to the login page, potentially leading to account compromise. The attack vector is network-based, the complexity is low, and no authentication is required, making it easier for attackers to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, there is a known exploit for this vulnerability, which increases the urgency for organizations to remediate it. The vulnerability was published on December 6, 2021, and has been classified under CWE-863, indicating an issue related to security bypass.
Organizations using the WPS Hide Login plugin should ensure they are running the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability and protect against potential attacks.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to gain access to the secret login page by exploiting the behavior of the WPS Hide Login plugin. The CVSS score of 7.5 indicates a high severity level, which signifies that the impact on confidentiality is high, while integrity and availability impacts are not applicable.
The affected product is the WPS Hide Login plugin developed by wpserveur, and the issue affects all versions prior to 1.9.1. The vulnerability was disclosed on December 6, 2021, and it is important for users to apply the necessary updates to mitigate the risk.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation, allowing an unauthorized user to access sensitive functionality. The attack vector is network-based, providing attackers remote access to exploit the vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, and no privileges or user interaction are required, which underscores the ease of exploitation.
Confidentiality impact is rated as high, as attackers can gain access to the secret login page, while both integrity and availability impacts are rated as none. Organizations must be vigilant about monitoring and securing their WordPress installations, especially those using vulnerable plugins.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment of this vulnerability poses a significant risk, as attackers can leverage it to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The blast radius is considerable, especially for organizations with many users or those storing sensitive information in their WordPress installations.
The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is underscored by its placement within the high-risk category, and organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately to safeguard against potential exploitation.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of the WPS Hide Login plugin prior to version 1.9.1. Organizations should verify their installed version and upgrade to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately update to the latest version of the WPS Hide Login plugin. If an immediate upgrade is not possible, consider implementing alternative security measures, such as restricting access to the WordPress admin area through network controls.
Organizations may also benefit from conducting a thorough security assessment of their WordPress installations and implementing continuous security testing to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in the future. For further guidance, consider reviewing our penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unauthorized access attempts to /wp-admin/options.php, which may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Behavioral anomalies or unexpected requests to sensitive endpoints should also be investigated.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-24917 lies in its demonstration of the risks associated with inadequate input validation in web applications. This vulnerability highlights a broader pattern of security weaknesses that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive functionalities.
Security teams must learn from such vulnerabilities and implement robust validation mechanisms to prevent similar issues in their applications. A comprehensive vulnerability management program can aid in identifying and addressing potential weaknesses proactively.
For organizations utilizing WordPress, it is crucial to stay informed about emerging threats and implement continuous security assessments, including penetration testing methodologies, to enhance their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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