Cybersecurity vulnerabilities permit threat actors to exploit web applications, putting user data and privacy at risk. The CVE-2022-41839 vulnerability is a Broken Access Control flaw that affects the WordPress LoginPress plugin (versions <= 1.6.2). This vulnerability allows unauthenticated users to change the Opt-In or Opt-Out tracking settings without proper authorization.
In this long-read post, we provide an in-depth explanation of CVE-2022-41839, including code snippets, exploit details, and links to original references. We use clear and simple American English to make the content readily understandable and exclusive.
What is LoginPress?
LoginPress is a widely-used WordPress plugin that provides powerful and customizable login page features to WordPress site administrators. With over 100,000 active installations, LoginPress boasts an extensive range of functionalities designed to enhance user login/logout experience, redirect users, and offer ready-made login templates.
Original References
It is essential to consult primary sources when researching software vulnerabilities to ensure accuracy and up-to-date information. For the CVE-2022-41839 vulnerability, original references can be found at:
1. CVE page: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2022-41839
2. Exploit Database entry: https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50808
3. WPVULNDB page: https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/12659612-8f49-48d5-9589-d839e4a31521
Vulnerability Explanation
CVE-2022-41839 affects the LoginPress plugin and exposes websites to the risk of unauthorized changes to Opt-In and Opt-Out tracking settings by users who lack the necessary permissions. This Broken Access Control vulnerability occurs due to improper validation and access restrictions implemented in the plugin's code. Consequently, an unauthenticated attacker can manipulate the tracking settings, potentially affecting site statistics and interrupting data collection.
Here's a relevant code snippet demonstrating the vulnerability
add_action('wp_ajax_nopriv_loginpress_settings', [LoginPress_Settings::get_instance(), 'save_settings'], 10);
The above code snippet shows that the plugin uses the wp_ajax_nopriv_loginpress_settings action to call the save_settings function without any authorization barriers. This approach permits any unauthenticated user to execute the function and modify the tracking settings.
Exploit Details
Exploiting the CVE-2022-41839 vulnerability involves sending a specially-crafted request to the target WordPress site. Here's a step-by-step guide on the exploit process:
Use a tool like Burp Suite or curl to create a POST request with the following properties
- URL: http://targetsite.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php
Here's an example curl command for exploiting the vulnerability
curl -X POST "http://targetsite.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php" -d "action=loginpress_settings&loginpress_anonymous_stat_opt_in=DISABLED_OR_ENABLED"
Replace http://targetsite.com with the target WordPress site's URL and DISABLED_OR_ENABLED with the desired tracking setting (either Opt-In or Opt-Out).
To mitigate the CVE-2022-41839 vulnerability, site administrators should follow these steps
1. Update the LoginPress plugin to the latest version (1.6.3 or later) to benefit from security patches and enhancements.
2. Actively monitor user activities and log actions for potential unauthorized changes, particularly concerning Opt-In and Opt-Out tracking settings.
3. Implement stronger access control policies and least privilege principles to limit unauthorized users' actions.
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-41839 is crucial because of the potential risks posed to user data and privacy. By staying informed about the latest security trends and employing preventive measures, WordPress site administrators and users can ensure their website security and the integrity of their user data.
Timeline
Published on: 11/18/2022 23:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/22/2022 20:22:00 UTC