CVE-2018-20974 in js-jobs Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The js-jobs plugin before 1.0.7 for WordPress has CSRF.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2023
The js-jobs plugin for WordPress versions prior to 1.0.7 contains a cross-site request forgery vulnerability that allows attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. This vulnerability exists due to the absence of proper anti-CSRF token validation mechanisms within the plugin's administrative interfaces. The flaw specifically affects the plugin's job posting and management functionalities where administrative actions are processed without sufficient verification of the request origin. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web pages or emails that, when visited or opened by an authenticated administrator, automatically submit requests to the vulnerable plugin endpoints. The vulnerability falls under CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery issues in web applications. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the victim's browser into executing unintended commands against a web application they are authenticated to, potentially leading to unauthorized job postings, modifications to existing job listings, or other administrative actions that could compromise the integrity of the job board functionality. The attack vector typically involves social engineering techniques where administrators are tricked into visiting malicious websites or clicking on compromised links while their WordPress session remains active. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation as it can potentially allow attackers to establish persistent unauthorized access points within the job board system, particularly if the plugin's administrative interfaces lack proper input validation and access control measures.
The technical implementation of this CSRF vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper request validation mechanisms that would ensure requests originate from legitimate sources within the same origin. WordPress plugins typically should implement nonce verification for administrative actions, but the js-jobs plugin before version 1.0.7 omitted this critical security control. When administrators perform actions such as creating new job listings, editing existing postings, or deleting job entries, the plugin processes these requests without validating that they originated from the legitimate WordPress admin interface rather than from external malicious sources. This absence of CSRF protection means that any valid administrative action can be executed by an attacker who successfully tricks a logged-in administrator into visiting a malicious page containing embedded requests to the vulnerable plugin endpoints. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where WordPress administrators have elevated privileges and are frequently logged into their admin panels, as the attack requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious link. The exploitation process aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers phishing techniques, making this vulnerability a significant concern for organizations relying on WordPress job boards. The lack of proper CSRF token validation creates a persistent risk that remains active as long as the administrator maintains an active session within the WordPress environment.
Mitigation strategies for this CSRF vulnerability involve both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution is updating the js-jobs plugin to version 1.0.7 or later, which includes proper anti-CSRF token implementation. Organizations should also implement additional security layers such as Content Security Policy (CSP) headers that restrict the sources from which scripts can be executed, helping to prevent malicious requests from being automatically submitted to vulnerable endpoints. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block suspicious patterns of requests that might indicate CSRF attacks. Administrators should also implement regular security audits of installed plugins and themes, ensuring that all third-party components maintain current security patches and follow established security best practices. The implementation of proper session management controls, including session timeout mechanisms and secure cookie attributes, can further reduce the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and conducting regular security training for administrators to recognize phishing attempts that might leverage this CSRF vulnerability. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability would be classified as a medium to high severity issue under NIST SP 800-53 standards, requiring prompt remediation and monitoring to prevent potential data integrity compromises. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and request origin verification, principles that are fundamental to secure web application development practices and should be enforced across all WordPress plugin development.