CVE-2014-6312 in Login Widget With Shortcode
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in the Login Widget With Shortcode (login-sidebar-widget) plugin before 3.2.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to hijack the authentication of administrators for requests that conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via the custom_style_afo parameter on the login_widget_afo page to wp-admin/options-general.php.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2024
The CVE-2014-6312 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw within the Login Widget With Shortcode WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.2.1. This vulnerability exposes WordPress installations to sophisticated attack vectors that can lead to complete administrative compromise. The flaw resides in the plugin's handling of user input parameters within the login_widget_afo page, which is accessed through the wp-admin/options-general.php endpoint. Attackers can exploit this weakness to manipulate the authentication flow and execute malicious actions under the guise of legitimate administrative users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of the custom_style_afo parameter within the plugin's backend processing. When administrators access the login widget configuration page, the plugin fails to properly verify the authenticity of requests originating from authorized users. This absence of proper CSRF protection mechanisms allows remote attackers to craft malicious requests that appear to come from legitimate administrative sessions. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when combined with cross-site scripting capabilities, as attackers can simultaneously exploit both CSRF and XSS vectors to establish persistent malicious presence within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass scenarios, creating a comprehensive attack surface for sophisticated threat actors. Administrators who visit compromised pages or click on malicious links can unknowingly execute unauthorized actions such as modifying plugin settings, changing user permissions, or injecting malicious code into the WordPress installation. The vulnerability's location within wp-admin/options-general.php makes it particularly dangerous as this is a critical administrative interface where sensitive configuration changes can be made. Attackers can leverage this weakness to manipulate the login widget's appearance and functionality, potentially redirecting users to malicious sites or collecting credentials through crafted phishing mechanisms.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in web applications. The attack pattern follows typical CSRF methodologies documented in MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1548.001 technique for Abuse of Credentials. Organizations must implement immediate remediation measures including plugin updates to version 3.2.1 or later, which incorporates proper nonce verification and CSRF protection mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious parameter manipulation patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing robust session management practices in WordPress plugins, particularly those handling administrative functions and user authentication flows.