CVE-2024-6289 in WPS Hide Login Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2024
The WPS Hide Login WordPress plugin before 1.9.16.4 does not prevent redirects to the login page via the auth_redirect WordPress function, allowing an unauthenticated visitor to access the hidden login page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6289 affects the WPS Hide Login WordPress plugin version 1.9.16.4 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the plugin's core functionality. This issue stems from the plugin's failure to properly enforce access controls when redirecting users to the login page through WordPress's built-in auth_redirect function. The flaw directly contradicts the fundamental security principle that hidden login pages should remain inaccessible to unauthenticated users, creating an unintended backdoor that bypasses the intended protection mechanisms. The vulnerability exists because the plugin does not adequately validate user authentication status before executing the redirect logic, allowing any visitor to gain access to what should be a restricted area.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates through the WordPress authentication system's auth_redirect function which is designed to handle user redirection after login attempts. When the WPS Hide Login plugin processes a redirect request, it fails to properly check whether the current user is authenticated before allowing access to the login page. This creates a condition where an attacker can directly access the login page URL without proper authentication, effectively nullifying the plugin's purpose of hiding the login functionality from unauthorized users. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient access control validation, where the system assumes that the redirect mechanism alone is sufficient to protect access rather than implementing proper authentication checks. This issue falls under CWE-285, which addresses insufficient authorization, and demonstrates how improper implementation of access control mechanisms can lead to security breaches.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-6289 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential entry points for further exploitation. An unauthenticated visitor who can access the hidden login page gains access to the WordPress authentication interface, which may then be targeted through brute force attacks, credential stuffing, or other authentication bypass techniques. This vulnerability significantly weakens the security posture of WordPress installations relying on the WPS Hide Login plugin, as it undermines the layered security approach that organizations typically implement. The exposure of the login page creates opportunities for attackers to enumerate valid usernames, test credentials against the authentication system, or deploy automated attack tools that target WordPress login interfaces. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a clear path to compromise the WordPress installation, as the login page is often the primary target for credential-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-6289 should prioritize immediate patching to version 1.9.16.4 or later, which addresses the core access control flaw in the plugin's redirect logic. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including rate limiting on login attempts, two-factor authentication, and monitoring for unusual login patterns that might indicate automated attack attempts. Network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict access to the login page to known good IP addresses can provide additional defense in depth. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110, which covers credential access through brute force and password spraying attacks, highlighting the importance of implementing multiple layers of protection around authentication interfaces. Security teams should also consider conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other plugins or themes that may exhibit similar access control issues. Regular security audits and keeping all WordPress components updated remain essential practices to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.