CVE-2020-24149 in Podcast Importer SecondLine Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/07/2021
Server-side request forgery (SSRF) in the Podcast Importer SecondLine (podcast-importer-secondline) plugin 1.1.4 for WordPress via the podcast_feed parameter in a secondline_import_initialize action to the secondlinepodcastimport page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-24149 represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw within the Podcast Importer SecondLine WordPress plugin version 1.1.4. This security weakness arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the podcast_feed parameter, which is processed through the secondline_import_initialize action endpoint on the secondlinepodcastimport page. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate the plugin's functionality to make unauthorized requests to internal or external systems, potentially exposing sensitive infrastructure components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in HTTP requests. When the podcast_feed parameter is submitted through the secondline_import_initialize action, the plugin directly incorporates this value into subsequent server requests without adequate sanitization or verification. This behavior creates an attack surface where adversaries can craft malicious payloads that force the vulnerable WordPress installation to communicate with arbitrary endpoints, including internal network services that should remain isolated from external access.
From an operational perspective, this SSRF vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress environments utilizing the affected plugin. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform reconnaissance activities by targeting internal network resources, potentially discovering sensitive systems such as database servers, administrative interfaces, or other internal services that are normally protected by network segmentation. The vulnerability can also be exploited to conduct further attacks by accessing internal APIs or services that may be vulnerable to additional exploits, effectively transforming a simple plugin flaw into a gateway for more comprehensive system compromise.
The impact extends beyond immediate reconnaissance as this vulnerability can facilitate lateral movement within network environments where WordPress installations reside. Security practitioners should note that this flaw aligns with CWE-918, which specifically addresses server-side request forgery vulnerabilities, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Organizations running vulnerable WordPress installations face potential data exfiltration risks, service disruption, and increased attack surface exposure that could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the Podcast Importer SecondLine plugin to version 1.1.5 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Administrators should also implement network-level restrictions such as firewall rules that prevent outbound connections from WordPress servers to internal network segments, effectively limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with SSRF protection capabilities and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.