CVE-2024-31252 in Responsive Lightbox Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in dFactory Responsive Lightbox.This issue affects Responsive Lightbox: from n/a through 2.4.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2024
The CVE-2024-31252 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the dFactory Responsive Lightbox plugin, a widely used WordPress gallery and media display solution. This vulnerability exists in versions ranging from the initial release through 2.4.6, indicating a prolonged period during which the security weakness remained unaddressed. The issue stems from insufficient access controls that allow unauthorized users to perform administrative actions typically restricted to authorized personnel. Such a flaw fundamentally undermines the security model of the affected plugin, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through improper validation of user permissions within the plugin's backend functionality. When users interact with the lightbox plugin's administrative interfaces or perform operations that should require elevated privileges, the system fails to adequately verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary authorization levels. This missing authorization check creates a pathway for low-privilege users to execute commands that should be restricted to administrators or privileged users. The vulnerability specifically impacts the plugin's ability to enforce role-based access controls, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, potentially enabling full administrative control over affected WordPress installations. An attacker exploiting this weakness could gain access to sensitive plugin configurations, modify gallery settings, upload malicious content, or even install additional malware through the compromised plugin interface. The consequences are particularly severe given that the Responsive Lightbox plugin is frequently used across various websites, meaning a single exploited vulnerability could affect multiple installations simultaneously. This creates a cascading risk that extends far beyond individual sites to potentially compromise entire networks of interconnected systems.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of CWE-863, which specifically addresses "Incorrect Authorization" issues in software systems. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials in compromised accounts, as unauthorized users can effectively assume administrative roles through this authorization bypass. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the plugin where available, implementing additional access controls through WordPress security plugins, and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should also be configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of regular security audits and timely patch management in WordPress environments. Many organizations may not immediately recognize the security implications of third-party plugins, particularly those that handle media content and user interactions. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly benign plugins can contain critical security flaws that, when exploited, can provide attackers with significant access to target systems. The remediation process should include not only updating the vulnerable plugin but also conducting comprehensive security assessments of all installed plugins to identify similar authorization weaknesses that may exist within the broader WordPress ecosystem.