CVE-2020-36746 in Menu Swapper Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/01/2023
The Menu Swapper plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions up to, and including, 1.1.0.2. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the mswp_save_meta() function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to save meta data via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2023
The Menu Swapper plugin for WordPress represents a critical security vulnerability that affects versions up to and including 1.1.0.2, exposing WordPress sites to Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls within the plugin's backend functionality, specifically targeting the mswp_save_meta() function which lacks proper nonce validation mechanisms. The flaw creates a significant risk for WordPress administrators who may unknowingly execute malicious actions through social engineering techniques, particularly when clicking on compromised links or visiting malicious websites that trigger unauthorized operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in the plugin's security architecture, where the absence of proper nonce validation allows attackers to forge requests that appear legitimate to the WordPress system. This weakness directly violates established security principles outlined in the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Top Ten, specifically addressing the lack of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-352, which describes Cross-Site Request Forgery, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 related to data from local system, as it enables unauthorized modification of WordPress metadata through forged administrative requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to alter menu configurations, potentially redirecting users to malicious sites or compromising the integrity of the website navigation structure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious links or embedding payloads within compromised websites, tricking administrators into performing actions that save unauthorized metadata through the vulnerable function. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, as the forged requests bypass normal authentication procedures and execute with the privileges of the authenticated administrator.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including updating to the patched version of the Menu Swapper plugin, implementing additional security measures such as Content Security Policy headers, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all installed WordPress plugins. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious CSRF attempts, while establishing security awareness training for administrators to recognize potential social engineering attacks. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper nonce implementation in WordPress plugins, as outlined in WordPress plugin development guidelines, and serves as a reminder of the necessity for regular security assessments of third-party software components in web applications.