CVE-2020-9458 in RegistrationMagic Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
In the RegistrationMagic plugin through 4.6.0.3 for WordPress, the export function allows remote authenticated users (with minimal privileges) to export submitted form data and settings via class_rm_form_controller.php rm_form_export.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-9458 resides within the RegistrationMagic plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions through 4.6.0.3. This security flaw represents a critical access control issue that enables remote authenticated users with minimal privileges to exploit the plugin's export functionality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to extract sensitive form data and system settings through a direct endpoint exposure in the class_rm_form_controller.php file, specifically via the rm_form_export function. This represents a significant bypass of intended authorization controls and demonstrates poor privilege enforcement within the plugin's architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the plugin's export functionality. Attackers can leverage their authenticated status, even with limited permissions, to invoke the rm_form_export endpoint without proper authorization checks. This flaw typically occurs when the plugin fails to verify whether the authenticated user possesses sufficient privileges to access or export the requested form data and configuration settings. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories, as it allows unauthorized extraction of stored data. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor pathway through which malicious actors can harvest user-submitted form information, potentially including personal identification details, contact information, and other sensitive data that users have provided through registration forms.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-9458 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can lead to significant privacy violations and potential identity theft. When attackers can systematically export form submissions, they gain access to comprehensive datasets that may include usernames, email addresses, personal identifiers, and other sensitive information that users trust the website to protect. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the plugin manages user registration for membership sites, contact forms, or any system collecting personal data. The exported data could be used for phishing campaigns, social engineering attacks, or sold on dark web marketplaces, making this a severe threat to both individual privacy and organizational security. Additionally, the exposure of system settings through the export function may reveal configuration details that could aid in further exploitation attempts, potentially leading to more severe compromise of the WordPress installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-9458 should begin with immediate patching of the RegistrationMagic plugin to version 4.6.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary access control fixes. Organizations should implement strict role-based access controls within their WordPress installations, ensuring that only administrators or users with explicit permissions can access form export functionalities. Network-level monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual export activity patterns, particularly from accounts with minimal privileges. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all installed plugins to identify similar access control vulnerabilities, as this flaw may exist in other third-party components. Implementing principle of least privilege principles for WordPress user accounts, combined with regular security scanning of the WordPress environment, will help prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include reviewing and strengthening authentication mechanisms and ensuring that all user accounts maintain appropriate access levels based on their required functionality within the system.