CVE-2024-5541 in Ibtana Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/18/2024
The Ibtana – WordPress Website Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'ibtana_visual_editor_register_ajax_json_endpont' function in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.3.3. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to update option values for reCAPTCHA keys on the WordPress site. This can be leveraged to bypass reCAPTCHA on the site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5541 affects the Ibtana WordPress Website Builder plugin, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.2.3.3. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress sites relying on the plugin for website building functionality. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental lack of proper access control mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate core site configurations without proper authentication.
The technical flaw manifests in the 'ibtana_visual_editor_register_ajax_json_endpont' function which fails to implement adequate capability checks before processing data modification requests. This missing authorization check allows any unauthenticated user to submit AJAX requests that update critical WordPress options, particularly those related to reCAPTCHA configuration settings. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the plugin's legitimate AJAX endpoint functionality to execute unauthorized modifications, making detection more challenging as the requests appear to originate from legitimate plugin functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification, as it directly compromises the security mechanisms that protect WordPress sites from automated attacks and spam submissions. When attackers successfully update reCAPTCHA keys, they effectively disable the site's ability to verify human users, creating opportunities for mass spam submissions, comment flooding, and potential exploitation of other security controls that depend on reCAPTCHA validation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-863, which addresses "Incorrect Authorization" issues where the system fails to properly verify that an actor is authorized to perform a requested action.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe given that reCAPTCHA serves as a fundamental web application security control, and its bypass can lead to cascading security failures throughout the WordPress site. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform various malicious activities including automated form submissions, botnet coordination, and potential exploitation of other site vulnerabilities that rely on proper user verification mechanisms. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials use, as attackers can effectively gain unauthorized access to administrative functions through manipulation of configuration settings.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the missing capability checks, though administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including network-level restrictions on AJAX endpoints, monitoring for unusual configuration changes, and implementing proper access controls for WordPress administrative functions. Regular security audits of plugin installations and maintaining updated security monitoring tools can help detect similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and capability checks in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive configuration data and security-related settings that form the foundation of web application defenses.