CVE-2021-24784 in WP Admin Logo Changer Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2021
The WP Admin Logo Changer WordPress plugin through 1.0 does not have CSRF check when saving its settings, which could allow attackers to make a logged in admin update them via a CSRF attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2021
The WP Admin Logo Changer WordPress plugin version 1.0 contains a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2021-24784 due to the absence of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection mechanisms within its administrative settings update functionality. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's configuration handling process where administrative users can modify logo settings through a web interface. The flaw represents a direct violation of security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web pages or embedding malicious links that, when visited by an authenticated administrator, automatically submit requests to modify the plugin's configuration parameters without the user's knowledge or explicit consent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper CSRF token validation during the settings update process. When administrators access the plugin's administrative interface to modify logo settings, the system should validate that the request originates from a legitimate administrative session and contains a valid anti-CSRF token. Without this validation mechanism, any attacker who can convince a logged-in administrator to visit a malicious page or click on a compromised link can execute unauthorized configuration changes. The attack vector typically involves the deployment of a malicious website or email attachment that contains embedded requests to the vulnerable plugin's update endpoint, leveraging the administrator's existing authenticated session to perform actions they would normally require explicit authorization for.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further exploitation within the WordPress environment. Once an attacker successfully executes a CSRF attack against the plugin, they can modify logo settings to redirect users to malicious domains, potentially leading to credential theft or further compromise through phishing attacks. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using the affected plugin version and poses a significant risk to organizations that rely on the plugin for administrative customization. According to ATT&CK framework category T1546.004, this represents a technique for persistence and privilege escalation through modifications to administrative interfaces. The attack requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators frequently visit external websites or receive email communications from untrusted sources.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the WP Admin Logo Changer plugin where the CSRF vulnerability has been addressed, or applying custom patches that implement proper CSRF token validation. Security measures should also include monitoring administrative sessions for unauthorized configuration changes and implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious requests to administrative endpoints. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and session management in web applications, aligning with security standards that emphasize the need for comprehensive protection against session hijacking and unauthorized administrative actions. Additionally, administrators should conduct regular security audits of installed plugins and ensure that all WordPress components are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in the ecosystem.