CVE-2019-15775 in nd-learning Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The nd-learning plugin before 4.8 for WordPress has a nopriv_ AJAX action that allows modification of the siteurl setting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15775 affects the nd-learning plugin version 4.8 and earlier in WordPress environments, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of site configuration settings. This issue stems from the plugin's implementation of a nopriv_ AJAX action that lacks proper authentication and authorization mechanisms, allowing unauthenticated attackers to manipulate core WordPress settings through malicious requests.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's handling of AJAX endpoints that are designed to operate without user authentication, specifically targeting the siteurl setting which controls the WordPress installation's base URL. This vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation and configuration modification, as attackers can exploit the lack of validation to alter fundamental site parameters. The nopriv_ prefix in WordPress AJAX actions typically indicates functions accessible to non-logged-in users, but in this case, the implementation permits dangerous modifications that should require administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as modifying the siteurl setting can lead to various security complications including redirection attacks, credential harvesting, and potential compromise of the entire WordPress installation. Attackers could redirect users to malicious domains, inject harmful content, or create persistent backdoors through altered URL configurations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in web application security. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no prior authentication or administrative access, making it accessible to any attacker with knowledge of the vulnerable plugin.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate plugin updates to version 4.8 or later where the issue has been resolved, along with comprehensive monitoring of AJAX endpoint access patterns for suspicious activities. Security professionals should implement network-level restrictions on AJAX endpoints and consider deploying web application firewalls to detect and block unauthorized modifications to critical WordPress settings. The remediation process should also involve verifying all plugin configurations and conducting thorough security audits of WordPress installations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates of all WordPress components and maintain compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation in web applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor configuration options can present significant security risks when improperly protected.