CVE-2017-18546 in jayj-quicktag Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The jayj-quicktag plugin before 1.3.2 for WordPress has CSRF.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2023
The CVE-2017-18546 vulnerability represents a cross-site request forgery flaw within the jayj-quicktag WordPress plugin version 1.3.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exposes WordPress installations to unauthorized administrative actions that can be executed without user consent, fundamentally undermining the security model of web applications. The issue arises from the plugin's failure to implement proper anti-CSRF mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to craft requests that appear to originate from legitimate administrative sessions.
This vulnerability operates through the manipulation of HTTP requests that target the plugin's administrative endpoints. When an authenticated administrator visits a malicious website or clicks on a crafted link, the attacker can trigger unintended actions within the WordPress environment. The flaw specifically affects the plugin's ability to validate the authenticity of requests, as it does not require or verify the presence of anti-CSRF tokens that would normally be generated and validated during legitimate administrative operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation to potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation. An attacker could leverage this flaw to modify plugin settings, add or remove users, alter content, or even install malicious code within the WordPress environment. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious page, making it highly effective in phishing campaigns or when users browse compromised websites. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which covers data from information repositories, as it allows unauthorized access to administrative functions that control stored data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18546 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 1.3.2 or later, which includes the necessary anti-CSRF token implementation. Administrators should also review their WordPress plugin ecosystem for similar vulnerabilities and implement additional security measures such as two-factor authentication, regular security audits, and monitoring for unauthorized administrative actions. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and strict access controls can provide additional defense-in-depth. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating user intent in administrative operations and highlights how seemingly minor security oversights in plugins can create significant entry points for attackers. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates of all WordPress components and maintain comprehensive backup strategies to recover from potential compromise scenarios.