CVE-2020-7948 in Auth0 Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the Login by Auth0 plugin before 4.0.0 for WordPress. A user can perform an insecure direct object reference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7948 affects the Login by Auth0 plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 4.0.0, representing a critical insecure direct object reference (IDOR) flaw that exposes sensitive functionality to unauthorized users. This issue stems from the plugin's improper validation of user permissions when processing direct object references, allowing attackers to manipulate object identifiers and gain access to restricted resources. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication and authorization mechanisms within the WordPress environment, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this IDOR vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to verify whether the authenticated user has legitimate access rights to the requested object or resource. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests that reference objects such as user profiles, configuration settings, or administrative functions using predictable or manipulated object identifiers. This flaw operates at the application layer and directly violates the principle of least privilege, as the system does not properly enforce access controls between different user roles and their respective permissions. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access through insecure direct object references.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation. An attacker with basic user credentials could leverage this vulnerability to access administrative interfaces, modify user permissions, or manipulate sensitive configuration data. The attack surface is particularly concerning because WordPress installations often serve as the foundation for numerous websites, making successful exploitation potentially catastrophic for organizations relying on these platforms. The vulnerability also increases the risk of data breaches and allows for potential lateral movement within network environments where WordPress systems are deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7948 require immediate patching of the Login by Auth0 plugin to version 4.0.0 or later, which includes proper access control validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive access control reviews to ensure that all object references are properly validated against user permissions before processing. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough penetration testing and code reviews of custom WordPress plugins to identify similar IDOR vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include implementing proper input validation, enforcing role-based access controls, and establishing continuous monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Organizations must also consider implementing web application firewalls to help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.