CVE-2024-7560 in News Flash Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2024
The News Flash theme for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 1.1.0 via deserialization of untrusted input from the newsflash_post_meta meta value. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Editor-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. No known POP chain is present in the vulnerable software. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it could allow the attacker to delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The News Flash WordPress theme presents a critical security vulnerability classified as PHP Object Injection affecting all versions through 1.1.0. This flaw stems from improper input validation within the theme's handling of the newsflash_post_meta meta value, which occurs during the deserialization process of user-supplied data. The vulnerability specifically targets authenticated attackers who possess Editor-level permissions or higher, making it particularly concerning for WordPress installations where multiple users with varying permission levels exist. The attack vector exploits the inherent trust placed in serialized PHP objects without adequate sanitization or validation checks, creating a pathway for malicious code execution through object manipulation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which categorizes insecure deserialization as a significant security weakness that can lead to arbitrary code execution when untrusted data is processed through PHP's unserialize() function. The flaw operates by allowing an authenticated attacker to inject malicious serialized objects into the newsflash_post_meta field, which then gets processed during the theme's normal operation. While no known POP (Point of No Return) chain exists within the vulnerable News Flash theme itself, this does not eliminate the threat potential. The absence of a direct exploitation chain in the theme creates a scenario where an attacker could leverage this injection point as a stepping stone for more complex attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, potentially enabling attackers to perform arbitrary file deletion operations, extract sensitive information from the target system, or execute arbitrary code within the WordPress environment. This threat landscape is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by users with relatively low-privilege accounts, specifically those with Editor roles who typically have limited access to core system functions. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the WordPress installation, especially when combined with other vulnerable plugins or themes that might contain existing POP chains. Attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or use it as a foothold for further network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the News Flash theme to version 1.1.1 or later, which addresses this deserialization vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement strict input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly within meta fields and serialized object handling. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in meta value modifications and unauthorized changes to theme files. Organizations should also consider implementing role-based access controls that limit the ability of users with Editor privileges to modify critical system parameters. The implementation of web application firewalls and security headers can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities in third-party plugins and themes that could compound the threat landscape. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing object injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.