CVE-2024-10003 in Rover IDX Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/22/2024
The Rover IDX plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access, modification, and loss of data due to a missing capability check on multiple functions in all versions up to, and including, 3.0.0.2903. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to add, modify, or delete plugin options.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-10003 affects the Rover IDX plugin for WordPress, a popular tool used for real estate listings and property management. This security flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that undermines the plugin's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 3.0.0.2903, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who have deployed this plugin. The root cause lies in the absence of proper capability checks within multiple functions, which should normally restrict access to sensitive plugin configuration options based on user roles and permissions. This missing security control creates a pathway for malicious actors who have gained subscriber-level access or higher to exploit the system.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure to implement proper WordPress capability verification before executing administrative functions within the plugin. In WordPress security architecture, capability checks ensure that only users with appropriate permissions can perform specific actions. The Rover IDX plugin fails to enforce these checks, allowing any authenticated user with subscriber privileges or higher to manipulate core plugin settings. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and specifically targets the principle of least privilege that should govern administrative operations. The missing capability checks create a scenario where users can perform actions they should not be authorized to execute, effectively bypassing the intended security model of the WordPress platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for WordPress sites using the Rover IDX plugin. Attackers with subscriber-level access can exploit this flaw to modify critical plugin configurations, potentially leading to data manipulation, service disruption, or even complete system compromise. The ability to add, modify, or delete plugin options means that malicious actors could alter property listings, change display settings, or manipulate data structures that could affect the entire real estate website functionality. This vulnerability enables unauthorized data modification and potential data loss scenarios that could severely impact business operations and customer trust. The impact extends beyond simple data manipulation as it could allow attackers to establish persistent access or create backdoors within the plugin's configuration space. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the website's real estate data management systems, potentially causing financial losses and reputational damage for businesses relying on these platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-10003 should prioritize immediate action by administrators. The primary solution involves updating the Rover IDX plugin to a version that includes proper capability checks and access controls. This update addresses the root cause of the vulnerability by implementing the necessary authorization mechanisms that were previously missing. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of user roles and permissions to ensure that only trusted users have access to the plugin's administrative functions. Implementing additional security measures such as role-based access controls, regular security monitoring, and maintaining updated security protocols can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activities related to the plugin. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security testing and validation of plugin security features, particularly for plugins handling sensitive data. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This case highlights the necessity of following established security frameworks and maintaining vigilance in protecting WordPress installations from unauthorized access attempts.