CVE-2024-3027 in Smart Slider Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/13/2024
The Smart Slider 3 plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the upload function in all versions up to, and including, 3.5.1.22. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to upload files, including SVG files, which can be used to conduct stored cross-site scripting attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2024
The Smart Slider 3 plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability that undermines the integrity of WordPress installations through inadequate access controls. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's upload functionality and affects all versions up to and including 35122, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who rely on this popular slider plugin. The flaw specifically targets the absence of proper capability checks within the upload mechanism, creating an exploitable path for attackers who possess contributor-level privileges or higher within a WordPress environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to validate user permissions before allowing file upload operations. When authenticated users with contributor status or above attempt to upload files through the Smart Slider 3 interface, the system does not properly verify whether these users possess the necessary administrative privileges required for such operations. This missing validation creates a privilege escalation vector that allows attackers to bypass normal security boundaries that should restrict file upload capabilities to administrators only. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables the upload of arbitrary file types, including potentially malicious SVG files that can contain embedded scripts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates a persistent threat vector for stored cross-site scripting attacks. When attackers successfully upload SVG files, these files can contain malicious JavaScript code that executes when viewed by other users within the WordPress environment. This stored XSS capability allows attackers to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate plugin functionality into a weapon for persistent attacks, as the uploaded files remain accessible and executable within the WordPress installation until manually removed or the plugin is updated.
This vulnerability aligns with multiple cybersecurity frameworks and threat models, particularly mapping to CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization) which addresses the failure to properly verify user permissions before granting access to restricted operations. The attack pattern follows the techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can leverage the stored XSS capabilities to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where users with minimal administrative rights can perform operations that should require elevated permissions.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including restricting user roles and permissions within their WordPress installations, monitoring for unauthorized file uploads, and implementing additional security layers such as web application firewalls. The most effective long-term solution requires updating to the latest version of the Smart Slider 3 plugin where the missing capability checks have been properly implemented. Security administrators should also conduct thorough audits of their WordPress installations to identify any other plugins that may exhibit similar authorization flaws, as this vulnerability pattern has been observed in other WordPress plugins and represents a common security oversight in the WordPress ecosystem.