CVE-2024-9265
Improper Privilege Management (CWE-269)
Summary
The Echo RSS Feed Post Generator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation in all versions up to, and including, 5.4.6. This vulnerability is caused by the plugin's failure to properly restrict the roles that can be set during registration through the echo_check_post_header_sent() function. As a result, unauthenticated attackers can exploit this flaw to register themselves as administrators.
Impact
This vulnerability has a severe impact on the affected WordPress installations. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized administrative access to the WordPress site. With administrative privileges, they can perform a wide range of malicious actions, including: 1. Modifying or deleting existing content 2. Installing malicious plugins or themes 3. Accessing and exfiltrating sensitive user data 4. Defacing the website 5. Using the compromised site as a platform for further attacks 6. Potentially gaining access to the underlying server The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 (Critical), indicating its high severity. The attack vector is network-based, requires low complexity, needs no user interaction, and can be executed without any privileges, making it relatively easy for attackers to exploit.
Exploitation
There is no evidence that a public proof-of-concept exists. There is no evidence of proof of exploitation at the moment.
Patch
As of the provided information, a patch is not explicitly mentioned. However, given that the vulnerability affects "all versions up to, and including, 5.4.6" of the Echo RSS Feed Post Generator plugin, it is likely that a patched version (presumably 5.4.7 or later) may be available or in development. The security team should check for updates to the plugin and apply them as soon as they become available.
Mitigation
Until a patch is available, the following mitigation steps are recommended: 1. Immediately disable the Echo RSS Feed Post Generator plugin on all WordPress installations. 2. If the plugin's functionality is critical, consider using an alternative plugin with similar features that does not have this vulnerability. 3. Implement strong user authentication and access controls for WordPress admin accounts. 4. Regularly audit user roles and permissions, especially focusing on recently created accounts. 5. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAF) to help detect and block potential exploit attempts. 6. Monitor WordPress installations for any suspicious activities, particularly new user registrations or unexpected privilege changes. 7. Keep WordPress core, all themes, and other plugins up-to-date to minimize overall attack surface. 8. If possible, restrict WordPress registration functionality to trusted users only or disable it entirely if not needed. Once a patched version is available, update the Echo RSS Feed Post Generator plugin immediately on all affected WordPress installations.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Timeline
NVD published the first details for CVE-2024-9265
Feedly found the first article mentioning CVE-2024-9265. See article
A CVSS base score of 9.8 has been assigned.
Feedly estimated the CVSS score as HIGH
EPSS Score was set to: 0.09% (Percentile: 39.7%)