CVE-2024-3971 in Similarity Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2024
The Similarity WordPress plugin through 3.0 does not have CSRF check in place when resetting its settings, which could allow attackers to make a logged in admin reset them via a CSRF attack
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3971 affects the Similarity WordPress plugin version 3.0 and earlier, presenting a critical cross-site request forgery weakness that undermines the security posture of affected WordPress installations. This flaw resides in the plugin's administrative settings reset functionality, where proper CSRF protection mechanisms are absent, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors who can manipulate authenticated administrators through deceptive web requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of anti-CSRF tokens or validation mechanisms within the plugin's settings reset endpoint. When administrators access the plugin's administrative interface and attempt to reset settings, the system fails to verify the authenticity of the request source, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that appear legitimate to the WordPress application. This weakness aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities where web applications lack proper protection against unauthorized requests originating from authenticated sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as attackers can potentially disrupt plugin functionality, compromise user data, and create persistent security weaknesses within the WordPress environment. An attacker who successfully executes a CSRF attack against an authenticated administrator could reset critical plugin settings, potentially disabling security features or altering configuration parameters that affect the entire website's operation. This attack vector represents a significant risk to WordPress site integrity and can lead to unauthorized modifications that may go unnoticed for extended periods.
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by constructing malicious web pages or emails containing hidden requests that target the Similarity plugin's reset functionality. When an authenticated administrator visits such a page, the browser automatically submits the forged request without their knowledge or consent, effectively performing unauthorized actions on their behalf. This technique aligns with ATT&CK tactic TA0001 (Initial Access) and TA0003 (Persistence) as it enables attackers to establish unauthorized access and maintain control over affected systems. The vulnerability particularly affects WordPress environments where administrators frequently access sites from potentially compromised networks or devices, amplifying the risk of successful exploitation.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to the latest version of the Similarity plugin where CSRF protections have been implemented, reviewing existing plugin configurations for any unauthorized changes, and monitoring administrative access logs for suspicious activities. Network security controls such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, while security awareness training for administrators helps reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that may exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include verifying that all administrative functions within WordPress plugins properly implement CSRF protection mechanisms, following security best practices established by OWASP and other industry standards.