CVE-2024-48044 in ShortPixel Image Optimizer Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/01/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ShortPixel – Convert WebP/AVIF & Optimize Images ShortPixel Image Optimizer allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects ShortPixel Image Optimizer: from n/a through 5.6.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-48044 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the ShortPixel Image Optimizer plugin, which is widely used for image optimization and format conversion on wordpress websites. This security weakness stems from improperly configured access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to exploit administrative functions intended only for privileged personnel. The vulnerability exists across all versions of the plugin from the initial release through version 5.6.3, indicating a persistent flaw in the plugin's security architecture that has remained unaddressed for an extended period. The issue specifically affects the plugin's ability to properly verify user permissions when processing image optimization requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass standard authentication controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's insufficient validation of user roles and capabilities during image processing operations. When users attempt to perform image optimization tasks through the plugin's interface, the system fails to adequately verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges. This misconfiguration allows attackers with minimal privileges to execute administrative functions such as image conversion, optimization settings modification, and potentially file system access through the plugin's API endpoints. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including cross-site request forgery attacks or direct API manipulation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple user roles exist within the same wordpress installation. According to CWE-284, this vulnerability maps directly to improper access control issues where the application fails to properly enforce authorization checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially enable more severe security compromises within affected wordpress environments. Attackers could leverage this flaw to convert images to potentially malicious formats, modify optimization settings to introduce performance degradation, or gain access to sensitive image data that should remain protected. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that could remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to maintain access while performing reconnaissance activities or preparing for more sophisticated attacks. In enterprise environments, this could lead to data exfiltration, service disruption, or the establishment of persistent command and control channels through manipulated image files. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and persistence tactics, as it allows attackers to elevate their privileges within the application context.
Organizations utilizing the ShortPixel Image Optimizer plugin should immediately implement mitigations including plugin version updates once available, thorough access control reviews, and monitoring for unauthorized administrative activities. The recommended approach involves implementing role-based access controls that strictly limit image optimization functions to authorized administrators, conducting regular security audits of plugin configurations, and establishing network monitoring to detect anomalous API requests. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious access patterns targeting the vulnerable plugin endpoints. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper access control implementation in web applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple plugins can contain security flaws that compromise entire systems. Organizations should also review their overall plugin management policies to ensure that all third-party components undergo proper security assessment before deployment and that regular updates are implemented as part of their security maintenance procedures.