CVE-2008-4734 in WP Comment Remix plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in the wpcr_do_options_page function in WP Comment Remix plugin before 1.4.4 for WordPress allows remote attackers to perform unauthorized actions as administrators via a request that sets the wpcr_hidden_form_input parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2017
The CVE-2008-4734 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw in the WP Comment Remix plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.4.4 and resides within the wpcr_do_options_page function, which handles administrative configuration options for the plugin. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized administrative actions by manipulating a specially crafted request that sets the wpcr_hidden_form_input parameter. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-352 category, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities, making it a well-documented and serious security concern in web application development.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability exploits the absence of proper authentication checks and anti-CSRF token validation within the plugin's administrative interface. When an administrator visits a compromised webpage or clicks on a malicious link, the attacker can craft a request that appears legitimate to the WordPress system because it leverages the administrator's existing authenticated session. The wpcr_hidden_form_input parameter serves as a critical vector for this attack, as it allows the attacker to manipulate the plugin's configuration settings without proper authorization. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in implementing proper session management and request validation, which are core principles of secure web application design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially devastating for WordPress installations using the affected plugin version. An attacker who successfully exploits this CSRF vulnerability can perform administrative actions such as modifying plugin settings, changing configuration parameters, or potentially gaining further system access. This could lead to complete compromise of the WordPress site, data manipulation, or the installation of malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges beyond the ability to trick an administrator into visiting a malicious webpage, making it a classic example of how social engineering can compound technical vulnerabilities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1531 - Account Access Removal and T1078 - Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate administrative credentials to perform unauthorized actions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate patching and implementation of proper security controls. The primary solution involves upgrading to WP Comment Remix plugin version 1.4.4 or later, which includes proper CSRF protection mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding practices, ensure proper anti-CSRF token implementation in all administrative functions, and maintain regular security audits of installed plugins. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and the necessity of thorough security testing for all web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions. This case study underscores how seemingly minor implementation flaws in third-party plugins can create significant security risks for entire WordPress installations, emphasizing the critical need for regular security assessments and prompt patch management across all system components.