CVE-2019-15834 in webp-converter-for-media Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The webp-converter-for-media plugin before 1.0.3 for WordPress has CSRF.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2023
The webp-converter-for-media plugin for WordPress contains a cross-site request forgery vulnerability that affects versions prior to 1.0.3. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's handling of administrative actions and user interactions, specifically in the way it processes requests without proper validation of the request source. The flaw allows attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users who visit malicious websites or have their browsers exploited through social engineering techniques.
The technical implementation of this CSRF vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to incorporate proper anti-CSRF tokens or origin validation mechanisms in its administrative endpoints. When administrators access certain plugin features or perform configuration changes, the plugin does not verify that requests originate from legitimate sources within the WordPress administration interface. This oversight creates a scenario where an attacker can craft malicious requests that exploit the trust relationship between the user's browser and the WordPress installation, potentially enabling unauthorized modifications to the plugin's configuration or execution of unintended administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as it could enable attackers to manipulate media processing settings, alter plugin behavior, or potentially gain elevated privileges within the WordPress environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to redirect media processing to malicious endpoints, disable security features, or modify the plugin's functionality in ways that could compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a media processing plugin that likely has significant access to the WordPress file system and media management capabilities, making it a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses cross-site request forgery weaknesses in web applications, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage in web contexts. Organizations should immediately update to version 1.0.3 or later of the webp-converter-for-media plugin to remediate this vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input validation, utilizing anti-CSRF tokens in all administrative requests, and ensuring that WordPress administrators are educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites while logged into administrative interfaces. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect unusual administrative activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper security validation in WordPress plugins, particularly those that handle administrative functions or file system operations. Many WordPress plugins fail to implement adequate CSRF protection mechanisms, creating widespread exposure across the WordPress ecosystem. This vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor security oversights in plugin development can create significant risks for entire WordPress installations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and validation of all plugin components before deployment in production environments.