CVE-2024-1943 in Yuki Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/28/2024
The Yuki theme for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in all versions up to, and including 1.3.14. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the reset_customizer_options() function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to reset the themes settings 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 • 04/18/2025
The Yuki theme for WordPress presents a critical cross-site request forgery vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1943 affecting all versions through 1.3.14. This vulnerability resides in the reset_customizer_options() function where the theme fails to implement proper nonce validation mechanisms. The absence of cryptographic token verification creates a fundamental security flaw that allows malicious actors to exploit the theme's administrative functionality without proper authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the WordPress customizer interface which provides administrators with the ability to modify theme settings in real-time, making it a particularly attractive target for attackers seeking to disrupt or compromise website configurations.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the theme's failure to validate nonce tokens when processing requests to reset customizer options. According to CWE-352, this represents a classic cross-site request forgery vulnerability where the application does not adequately verify the origin of requests. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction since the forged requests can be embedded in malicious links or embedded within compromised websites, allowing attackers to trick administrators into executing unauthorized actions. The vulnerability does not require authentication or elevated privileges from the attacker's perspective, as the malicious request can be triggered through social engineering techniques such as phishing campaigns or compromised third-party websites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration resets and can potentially lead to more severe consequences for affected WordPress installations. When an administrator clicks on a malicious link, the theme's reset functionality executes without proper validation, resulting in the loss of custom theme settings, potential exposure of sensitive configuration data, and possible disruption of website functionality. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to revert websites to default settings, potentially removing custom branding, layout modifications, or security configurations that administrators have specifically implemented. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1211 which involves manipulating software to execute unauthorized commands, and T1566 which covers social engineering tactics to gain initial access through user interaction.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect their WordPress installations. The most critical immediate action involves upgrading to the latest version of the Yuki theme where the nonce validation has been properly implemented. Administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as restricting administrative access to trusted IP addresses, enabling two-factor authentication for administrative accounts, and conducting regular security audits of installed themes and plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and request verification in web applications, particularly in administrative interfaces where sensitive operations can be performed. Security teams should monitor for any suspicious administrative activities or unauthorized configuration changes that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all WordPress core installations and plugins remain up-to-date with the latest security patches to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited through other attack vectors.