CVE-2024-8157 in Alphabetical List Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/21/2024
The Alphabetical List WordPress plugin through 1.0.3 does not have CSRF check in place when updating its settings, which could allow attackers to make a logged in admin change them via a CSRF attack
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2025
The Alphabetical List WordPress plugin version 1.0.3 contains a critical security vulnerability classified as a Cross-Site Request Forgery flaw that compromises the integrity of administrative settings. This vulnerability exists due to the absence of proper CSRF protection mechanisms within the plugin's administrative update functionality. The flaw allows authenticated attackers who can诱导 a logged-in administrator to visit a malicious website or click on a crafted link to execute unauthorized configuration changes without the administrator's knowledge or consent. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's settings update process where no anti-CSRF tokens or validation mechanisms are implemented to verify the authenticity of administrative requests.
This security weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-352 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the plugin's configuration settings through maliciously crafted requests that appear legitimate to the WordPress administrative interface. The attack vector requires the target administrator to be authenticated and browsing a malicious site, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators frequently visit untrusted websites or are subjected to social engineering attacks. The lack of CSRF protection means that the plugin cannot distinguish between legitimate administrative requests initiated by the authorized user and malicious requests crafted by an attacker.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes as it allows attackers to potentially alter critical plugin behavior, modify display settings, adjust sorting parameters, or manipulate how alphabetical lists are presented within WordPress. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to redirect users to malicious sites, modify plugin functionality to hide or display malicious content, or even disable security features within the plugin itself. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using the affected plugin version where administrators have logged in and remain authenticated, creating a persistent risk as long as the administrator session remains active. The attack can be executed through various means including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or social media links that诱导 administrators to click on malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that implement proper CSRF protection mechanisms. WordPress administrators should ensure that all plugins are regularly updated and maintain an inventory of installed plugins to monitor for security patches. The implementation of additional security measures such as two-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and regular security audits can help reduce the risk exposure. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block CSRF attack patterns, and conduct regular security training for administrators to recognize social engineering attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and request verification mechanisms in all web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions, as recommended by the ATT&CK framework's defensive techniques for preventing privilege escalation and unauthorized configuration changes. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other plugins or custom code implementations.