CVE-2024-10285 in CE21 Suite Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
The CE21 Suite plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to sensitive information disclosure via the plugin-log.txt in versions up to, and including, 2.2.0. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to log in the user associated with the JWT token.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The CE21 Suite plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability categorized as sensitive information disclosure through improper access control mechanisms. This flaw exists within the plugin's logging functionality where the plugin-log.txt file contains sensitive data that should not be publicly accessible. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 2.2.0, indicating a widespread issue that has persisted across multiple releases. The disclosure occurs through the plugin's handling of log files that contain information potentially useful to attackers, particularly those related to user authentication and session management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate file access controls and improper handling of sensitive data within the plugin's architecture. The plugin-log.txt file contains information that, when exposed to unauthenticated users, can be leveraged to compromise user accounts. Specifically, the vulnerability allows attackers to extract data that includes user identifiers and potentially JWT tokens that are used for authentication purposes. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement. The flaw demonstrates poor security design practices where sensitive operational data is not adequately protected from unauthorized access, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to user accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it directly enables unauthorized authentication attempts. When attackers can access the plugin-log.txt file, they gain access to information that can be used to construct valid authentication tokens or identify user accounts that can be targeted for further exploitation. This creates a significant risk for users who rely on the plugin for their WordPress site operations, as their credentials and session information may be compromised without their knowledge. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor mechanism that bypasses normal authentication procedures, allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users and potentially gain full administrative control over affected WordPress installations. This risk is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects unauthenticated attackers, meaning no prior credentials or access are required to exploit the flaw.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate access control enforcement and proper file permissions implementation. Administrators should ensure that log files and sensitive data directories are properly secured with appropriate file permissions that prevent unauthorized access. The plugin should be updated to version 2.2.1 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper access control mechanisms. Additionally, security monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files within WordPress installations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious access patterns to log files and other sensitive resources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in the CWE 200 standard for information exposure, and it aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation through information discovery. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar access control vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes that may present similar risks to WordPress installations.