CVE-2020-11515 in Rank Math Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The Rank Math plugin through 1.0.40.2 for WordPress allows unauthenticated remote attackers to create new URIs (that redirect to an external web site) via the unsecured rankmath/v1/updateRedirection REST API endpoint. In other words, this is not an "Open Redirect" issue; instead, it allows the attacker to create a new URI with an arbitrary name (e.g., the /exampleredirect URI).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-11515 affects the Rank Math WordPress plugin version 1.0.40.2 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through an improperly secured REST API endpoint. This flaw resides within the rankmath/v1/updateRedirection endpoint which lacks adequate authentication mechanisms, allowing any unauthenticated user to exploit the functionality. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access control implementation where the plugin fails to verify user credentials before permitting URI creation operations, creating a critical pathway for unauthorized modifications to the website's URL redirection system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues in software systems. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious redirections by creating new URI entries that point to external websites, effectively enabling them to perform unauthorized modifications to the site's routing behavior. Unlike traditional open redirect vulnerabilities that merely allow redirection to existing URLs, this flaw provides attackers with the capability to establish entirely new redirect endpoints with arbitrary names, giving them complete control over the redirection mechanism. The REST API endpoint operates without proper authentication checks, making it accessible to anyone who can send HTTP requests to the WordPress installation, regardless of their authorization status.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection manipulation, as it enables attackers to create persistent malicious redirections that can be used for phishing attacks, malware distribution, or SEO poisoning. When an attacker successfully creates a new URI through this endpoint, they essentially gain the ability to establish a new entry point that will redirect visitors to any external website they choose, potentially compromising user security and trust. The implications are particularly severe for websites that rely heavily on URL routing and redirection for user navigation, as these malicious entries can be crafted to appear legitimate, making them difficult to detect and remove. This vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the website's URL structure, potentially causing significant damage to the site's reputation and user experience.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authentication flaw, as well as implementing network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict access to REST API endpoints. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious API requests, while conducting thorough security audits of all WordPress plugins to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include verifying that all REST API endpoints properly implement authentication checks and that proper access control mechanisms are in place to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical website components. Additionally, administrators should regularly review website redirection configurations and implement monitoring systems to detect unauthorized changes to URL routing mechanisms. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of implementing proper authentication controls in all API endpoints and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: web protocols, emphasizing the need for secure API implementations in web applications.