CVE-2024-6624 in JSON API User Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2024
The JSON API User plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation in all versions up to, and including, 3.9.3. This is due to improper controls on custom user meta fields. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to register as administrators on the site. The plugin requires the JSON API plugin to also be installed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6624 affects the JSON API User plugin for WordPress, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that impacts all versions up to and including 3.9.3. This vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls within the plugin's handling of custom user meta fields, creating a significant security weakness that allows unauthenticated attackers to escalate their privileges to administrative level access. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires the presence of the JSON API plugin, which serves as a prerequisite for the attack vector to be effective. The flaw fundamentally undermines the security model of WordPress installations that rely on these plugins for user management and API functionality, as it bypasses standard authentication mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized administrative access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation and authorization checks applied to user meta field modifications within the JSON API User plugin. When users register through the API endpoints exposed by this plugin, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting entity has appropriate authorization levels to modify administrative user attributes. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate user registration parameters to include administrator privileges, effectively allowing them to create accounts with elevated permissions without proper authentication. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the user management functionality of WordPress through its API interface, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all user account modifications within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-6624 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation grants attackers complete administrative control over affected WordPress installations. This level of access enables malicious actors to modify website content, install malware, steal sensitive data, manipulate user accounts, and potentially use the compromised site as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require any existing user credentials or authentication tokens, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the affected WordPress site. The implications for website owners include potential data breaches, reputational damage, and the possibility of their sites being used for malicious activities such as spam distribution or as command and control centers for botnets, as classified under the attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for privilege escalation and initial access.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the JSON API User plugin where available, or removing the plugin entirely if it is not essential for operations. The patching process should be prioritized at the highest level due to the unauthenticated nature of the exploit, which means that any exposed WordPress installation with the vulnerable plugin is immediately at risk. Security teams should also consider implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to the JSON API endpoints, monitoring for unusual registration patterns, and conducting thorough security audits of all WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, the vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and represents a clear example of how inadequate input validation and access control can lead to severe privilege escalation attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under initial access and privilege escalation techniques, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls to prevent unauthorized administrative access to web applications.