CVE-2024-10861 in Popup Box Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/16/2024
The Popup Box – Create Countdown, Coupon, Video, Contact Form Popups plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the deactivate_plugin_option() function in all versions up to, and including, 4.9.7. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to update the 'ays_pb_upgrade_plugin' option with arbitrary data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-10861 affects the Popup Box plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 4.9.7. This plugin is designed to create various types of popups including countdown timers, coupons, video content, and contact forms. The security flaw stems from an inadequate capability validation mechanism within the plugin's codebase, which fails to properly verify user permissions before allowing modifications to critical plugin options. The vulnerability resides in the deactivate_plugin_option() function where the absence of proper authorization checks creates an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate plugin settings without proper authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a missing capability check that should validate whether the requesting user possesses sufficient privileges to modify plugin configuration options. In this case, the 'ays_pb_upgrade_plugin' option can be updated with arbitrary data by any unauthenticated user who can access the plugin's administrative endpoints. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where the expected access controls are bypassed, allowing unauthorized modification of plugin behavior and potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation. The flaw aligns with CWE-284 which describes inadequate access control mechanisms, specifically focusing on insufficient checks for user permissions before performing administrative operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further exploitation. An unauthenticated attacker can manipulate the plugin's upgrade option, which may enable them to install malicious code, disable security features, or alter plugin functionality to serve as a vector for more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges within the WordPress environment and potentially gain control over the entire website. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates without requiring authentication, making it accessible to anyone with knowledge of the plugin's endpoints and potentially exploitable through automated scanning tools.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the capability check deficiency. Administrators should ensure that all WordPress installations are running the latest secure versions of plugins and themes, with particular attention to third-party components that may lack proper authentication mechanisms. Network-level protections including firewall rules and web application firewalls can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting known vulnerable endpoints. Additionally, implementing role-based access controls within WordPress can limit the potential damage from such vulnerabilities by restricting administrative capabilities to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices including mandatory capability checks for all administrative functions and proper input validation to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system components. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify and remediate similar access control weaknesses that could be exploited by threat actors.