CVE-2024-10111 in OAuth Single Sign On Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
The OAuth Single Sign On – SSO (OAuth Client) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authentication bypass in all versions up to, and including, 6.26.3. This is due to insufficient verification on the user being returned by the social login token. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to log in as any existing user on the site, such as an administrator, if they have access to the username and the user does not have an already-existing account for the service returning the token.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-10111 affects the OAuth Single Sign On SSO plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 6.26.3. This authentication bypass flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the fundamental security model of WordPress sites relying on social login functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the plugin's token processing logic, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the authentication system.
The technical flaw manifests in the insufficient verification process applied to user identities returned by social login providers. When users attempt to authenticate through social platforms such as Google, Facebook, or Twitter, the plugin receives authentication tokens containing user identity information. However, the vulnerable implementation fails to properly validate whether the returned user identifier corresponds to an actual existing user account within the WordPress system. This validation gap allows attackers to manipulate the authentication flow by providing arbitrary user identifiers, effectively bypassing normal authentication requirements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for WordPress administrators and site owners. An unauthenticated attacker who knows a valid username on the target WordPress site can potentially assume that user's identity and gain access to their privileges. This becomes particularly dangerous when the target user holds elevated permissions such as administrator roles, as it could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is especially concerning because it requires minimal information from attackers - essentially just a valid username and the absence of an existing social account mapping for that user.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a classic case of authentication bypass through inadequate input validation. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials, specifically focusing on the use of social login services to obtain unauthorized access. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages the trust model inherent in social authentication systems, making it difficult for administrators to detect unauthorized access attempts.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate action from affected WordPress site administrators. The primary solution involves updating the OAuth Single Sign On plugin to the latest version where the authentication bypass has been patched. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough audits of their user accounts to identify any potential unauthorized access that may have occurred. Implementing additional security measures such as two-factor authentication, monitoring login activities, and restricting social login access to trusted domains can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also consider temporarily disabling social login functionality until the patch is applied and validated, particularly in high-security environments where the risk of exploitation is elevated.