CVE-2023-5051 Exploiting Stored XSS Vulnerability in CallRail Phone Call Tracking WordPress Plugin

The CallRail Phone Call Tracking is a popular plugin for WordPress, which offers businesses the capability to seamlessly integrate call tracking and analytics into their websites. However, a recent vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-5051, has been discovered in the plugin, specifically affecting versions up to and including .5.2. This security issue exposes users to stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the 'callrail_form' shortcode.

In this post, we'll be delving into the details of this vulnerability, such as the technical aspects of the exploit, its impact on users, and links to relevant resources for further information.

Vulnerability Details

The CallRail Phone Call Tracking plugin employs a shortcode for embedding contact forms in WordPress pages, known as 'callrail_form'. There are several customizable attributes available with this shortcode, one of which is 'form_id', which specifies the unique identifier of the form.

Unfortunately, the 'form_id' attribute does not implement sufficient input sanitization and output escaping, making it possible for authenticated attackers having contributor level and above permissions to inject and execute arbitrary web scripts in vulnerable pages.

Example Code Snippet

[callrail_form form_id="<script>alert('XSS');</script>"]

When this malicious code snippet is added to a WordPress page, every user accessing that page will be subjected to the injected XSS attack, potentially leading to devastating consequences such as account hijacking, unauthorized data access, and defacement of the affected site.

Original disclosure of the vulnerability: [Link to original vulnerability disclosure]

2. CallRail Plugin WordPress repository: https://wordpress.org/plugins/callrail-phone-call-tracking/

Exploit Details

By leveraging this vulnerability, an attacker only requires 'contributor' level access or higher on a WordPress website running the CallRail plugin up to version .5.2. Once in, they could craft malicious shortcodes containing arbitrary JavaScript code, which executes automatically on the affected page when viewed by users. This stored XSS attack can then be exploited by the attacker to steal sensitive information or perform other unauthorized actions by hijacking user sessions.

Mitigation

The best course of action for users running the CallRail plugin on their WordPress websites is to update the plugin to its latest version, which should resolve the vulnerability. It is also crucial for WordPress site owners to follow best practices for user management, such as:

Regularly reviewing and auditing user access and permissions.

In addition to these measures, ensure that your site is frequently backed up and updated to protect against any potential malicious activity.

Conclusion

The CVE-2023-5051 vulnerability in the CallRail Phone Call Tracking plugin underscores the importance of diligently maintaining your website's security. Regularly updating plugins, themes, and the core WordPress software, and following the recommended best practices for user management, can go a long way in mitigating risks and protecting your site from potential XSS attacks. Stay informed about new vulnerabilities and exploits, and always be proactive in securing your online presence.

Timeline

Published on: 10/27/2023 04:15:10 UTC
Last modified on: 11/07/2023 04:23:24 UTC