CVE-2020-36760 in Ocean Extra Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2023
The Ocean Extra plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions up to, and including, 1.6.5]. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the add_core_extensions_bundle_validation() function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to validate extension bundles 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 • 07/12/2023
The Ocean Extra plugin for WordPress represents a popular customization framework that allows users to extend the functionality of their websites through various extension bundles. This particular vulnerability affects versions up to and including 1.6.5, creating a significant security risk for WordPress administrators who rely on this plugin for their site modifications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls within the plugin's core validation mechanisms, specifically targeting the add_core_extensions_bundle_validation() function that handles extension bundle validation processes.
The technical flaw manifests through the complete absence of proper nonce validation within the targeted function. Nonces serve as critical security tokens that verify the authenticity of requests and prevent unauthorized actions from being executed on behalf of legitimate users. In this case, the missing nonce validation creates a path for attackers to forge requests that appear legitimate to the WordPress system. The vulnerability operates under the CWE-352 category, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery flaws, making it a direct implementation of this well-known security weakness. This weakness allows attackers to perform unauthorized actions through the administrative interface of vulnerable sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides attackers with the ability to validate extension bundles without proper authentication. This capability enables unauthorized modifications to the site's functionality, potentially allowing attackers to install malicious extensions, alter existing features, or introduce backdoors into the WordPress environment. The attack vector requires social engineering elements where administrators must be tricked into clicking malicious links or visiting compromised websites, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators frequently interact with external content. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage this access to execute additional malicious commands through the modified extension system.
Administrators should immediately update to the latest version of the Ocean Extra plugin where this vulnerability has been patched, as the fix typically involves implementing proper nonce validation mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as monitoring for unauthorized extension bundle validations and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and authentication checks in web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions. Security teams should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, as the forged request mechanism could be used for broader attacks including privilege escalation or data exfiltration through malicious extensions.