CVE-2024-11417 in Vernetzungsfunktion Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
The dejure.org Vernetzungsfunktion plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in all versions up to, and including, 1.97.5. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the djo_einstellungen_menue() function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to update settings and inject malicious web scripts via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2025
The dejure.org Vernetzungsfunktion plugin for WordPress represents a significant security vulnerability through its implementation of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection mechanisms. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.97.5, exposing WordPress installations to potential exploitation by unauthenticated attackers who can manipulate plugin settings through crafted malicious requests. The vulnerability specifically resides within the djo_einstellungen_menue() function where nonce validation is either absent or improperly implemented, creating a critical weakness in the plugin's security architecture. The absence of proper CSRF protection mechanisms allows attackers to execute unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users without their knowledge or consent.
The technical flaw stems from the lack of nonce validation in the plugin's administrative interface functions, particularly in the djo_einstellungen_menue() method. Nonces serve as cryptographic tokens that verify the authenticity of requests and prevent unauthorized modifications to plugin settings. When these validation checks are missing or incorrectly implemented, attackers can construct malicious requests that appear legitimate to the WordPress system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-352, which defines Cross-Site Request Forgery as a weakness that allows attackers to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users without their knowledge. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate administrative settings and potentially inject malicious web scripts, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through social engineering techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as it provides attackers with the capability to inject malicious web scripts into the plugin's administrative interface. This creates a persistent threat that can compromise the entire WordPress installation, potentially leading to full system compromise through the execution of malicious code. Site administrators who fall victim to social engineering attacks that trick them into clicking malicious links can unknowingly execute harmful operations through the compromised plugin. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the WordPress system, as attackers can modify plugin configurations and potentially establish backdoors for future access. This weakness can be exploited to perform actions such as changing plugin settings, injecting malicious code, or redirecting users to malicious websites, all while maintaining the appearance of legitimate administrative activity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the dejure.org Vernetzungsfunktion plugin to version 1.97.6 or later, which contains the necessary nonce validation fixes. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits of installed plugins, monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes, and maintaining up-to-date security practices. The implementation of proper CSRF protection mechanisms should be enforced across all administrative functions, ensuring that each request includes valid nonce tokens that are verified before processing. Security teams should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests, while also establishing monitoring protocols to identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms in WordPress plugins, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which focuses on valid accounts and T1566 which addresses credential access through social engineering attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security training for administrators to reduce the risk of successful social engineering attacks that exploit this vulnerability.