CVE-2024-11419 in Password for WP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
The Password for WP plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in all versions up to, and including, 1.3. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the get3_init_admin_page() 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-11419 affects the Password for WP plugin for WordPress, representing a critical cross-site request forgery weakness that has persisted across all versions up to and including 1.3. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-352 category, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery issues in web applications. The flaw exists within the get3_init_admin_page() function where the plugin fails to implement proper nonce validation mechanisms. Nonce validation serves as a crucial security control that ensures requests originate from legitimate administrative actions within the WordPress environment. Without this protection, the plugin becomes susceptible to unauthorized modifications that could compromise the entire WordPress installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation as it provides attackers with the capability to inject malicious web scripts into the target system. This represents a significant risk because the attacker only needs to trick a site administrator into clicking on a malicious link or visiting a compromised webpage to execute the attack successfully. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication from the attacker's perspective, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns. The forged requests can be crafted to update critical plugin settings or inject malicious code that could persistently compromise the WordPress environment.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which describes social engineering attacks through spearphishing emails that trick users into performing malicious actions. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between administrators and the WordPress admin interface, making it particularly effective in real-world scenarios. The lack of proper nonce validation creates a fundamental security gap that allows attackers to perform administrative actions without proper authorization. This vulnerability is especially concerning in environments where administrators frequently click on links from untrusted sources or where email-based attacks are common.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate patching of the Password for WP plugin to the latest version where nonce validation has been properly implemented. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as monitoring for unauthorized administrative changes and employing web application firewalls to detect suspicious requests. Network segmentation and user access controls can help minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of all installed WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other third-party components. The remediation process should also include educating administrators about the risks of clicking on untrusted links and implementing security awareness training programs to reduce the likelihood of successful social engineering attacks.