CVE-2022-1732 in Rename wp-login.php Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2022
The Rename wp-login.php WordPress plugin through 2.6.0 does not have CSRF check in place when updating the secret login URL, which could allow attackers to make a logged in admin change them via a CSRF attack
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1732 affects the Rename wp-login.php WordPress plugin version 2.6.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security weakness that stems from the absence of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection mechanisms. This flaw specifically impacts the plugin's functionality for modifying the secret login URL, which is a fundamental security feature designed to obscure the standard WordPress login endpoint from automated attacks and malicious scanners. The plugin's implementation fails to validate the authenticity of requests made to update the login URL, creating an exploitable condition that directly contradicts established web application security best practices and industry standards.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's lack of proper CSRF token validation during the administrative update process for the secret login URL. When an authenticated administrator performs actions within the WordPress admin interface, the system should validate that the request originates from a legitimate administrative session rather than being submitted through a maliciously crafted request. This validation typically involves the generation and verification of unique tokens that tie requests to specific user sessions, preventing unauthorized modifications. Without this protection, attackers can construct malicious web pages or email attachments that, when visited by an authenticated administrator, automatically submit requests to modify the login URL, effectively compromising the security controls that the plugin is designed to provide.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-1732 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of WordPress installations that rely on this plugin for login URL obfuscation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can redirect administrators to a compromised login page that they control, potentially leading to full administrative compromise of the WordPress site. This represents a significant risk because the plugin's primary purpose is to provide an additional layer of security by hiding the standard wp-login.php endpoint, and this vulnerability effectively neutralizes that protection. The attack vector requires only that an administrator visit a malicious page while logged into the WordPress admin interface, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators may browse untrusted websites or receive phishing emails.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities in web applications, and demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure authentication practices. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through credential exposure, where an attacker leverages an existing authenticated session to modify security configurations. Organizations using this plugin face a heightened risk of unauthorized access, data compromise, and potential complete system takeover, as the modified login URL could redirect administrators to attacker-controlled infrastructure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and request authenticity checking in web applications, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security principles, where CSRF protection is a fundamental requirement for maintaining application integrity and user security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-1732 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that include proper CSRF protection mechanisms, as the vulnerability is addressed through the implementation of token validation in subsequent releases. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as two-factor authentication, regular security audits of installed plugins, and monitoring for unauthorized changes to critical configuration parameters. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security training for administrators can reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other plugins that may lack proper CSRF protection and ensure that all administrative interfaces implement robust authentication verification mechanisms that align with industry security standards and best practices.