CVE-2018-21002 in js-support-ticket Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The js-support-ticket plugin before 2.0.6 for WordPress has CSRF.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2023
The js-support-ticket plugin for WordPress prior to version 2.0.6 contains a cross-site request forgery vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers with user privileges to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of other users. This vulnerability exists due to the absence of proper anti-forgery tokens in the plugin's administrative interfaces, making it possible for malicious actors to exploit the weakness through crafted web requests that appear to originate from legitimate users. The issue specifically affects WordPress installations using the js-support-ticket plugin where users with sufficient privileges can be tricked into executing unintended administrative operations without their knowledge or explicit consent.
The technical flaw stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper CSRF protection mechanisms in its administrative forms and endpoints. When users with appropriate permissions access the plugin's management interfaces, the system does not validate that requests originate from legitimate sources within the same session. This absence of validation creates a condition where an attacker can construct malicious web pages or emails containing hidden form submissions that, when triggered by an authenticated user, execute unauthorized actions such as modifying ticket settings, deleting support requests, or altering user permissions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and directly impacts the integrity of the WordPress administrative environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges or disrupt support operations within the WordPress environment. An attacker with access to a victim's browser session can potentially manipulate support ticket workflows, gain unauthorized access to sensitive customer information, or cause service disruption through destructive actions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the plugin is used for critical customer support operations, as it could lead to data breaches, service interruptions, or unauthorized modifications to support ticketing systems that organizations rely upon for customer communication and issue resolution. The attack vector typically involves social engineering techniques where users are tricked into visiting malicious websites or clicking on compromised links.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to js-support-ticket plugin version 2.0.6 or later, which implements proper CSRF protection measures including anti-forgery tokens and request validation. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring for suspicious administrative activities and review user access controls to minimize potential impact. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses cross-site request forgery weaknesses in web applications. From an ATT&CK perspective, this issue maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through web application vulnerabilities. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all WordPress plugins to identify similar CSRF weaknesses and ensure proper input validation and session management practices are implemented across all administrative interfaces.