CVE-2024-8478 in Affiliate Super Assistent Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/10/2024
The The Affiliate Super Assistent plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.3. This is due to the software allowing users to supply arbitrary shortcodes in comments when the 'Parse comments' option is enabled. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2024
The CVE-2024-8478 vulnerability affects the Affiliate Super Assistent plugin for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that enables arbitrary shortcode execution. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.5.3, making it a widespread concern for WordPress users who have installed this particular plugin. The issue stems from the plugin's handling of user comments when the 'Parse comments' option is enabled, creating an attack vector that allows unauthenticated adversaries to exploit the system. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and access control mechanisms within the plugin's comment processing functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of comment fields where users can inject arbitrary shortcodes that are then processed by the plugin. When the 'Parse comments' feature is enabled, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate shortcode content submitted through comments, allowing attackers to execute malicious code within the WordPress environment. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper privilege management, which aligns with CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) categories. The vulnerability essentially transforms the comment system into an attack surface that can be leveraged for code execution without requiring authentication or administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially allow attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. Unauthenticated attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious shortcodes that may execute commands, access sensitive data, modify content, or even establish persistence mechanisms within the affected site. The implications are particularly severe because the vulnerability affects the comment processing functionality, which is typically exposed to public users, making it accessible to anyone who can submit comments to the site. This attack vector can be exploited in conjunction with other techniques to escalate privileges or conduct more sophisticated attacks against the WordPress installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-8478 should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the vulnerability, as well as implementing additional security controls to limit the potential impact. System administrators should disable the 'Parse comments' option within the plugin configuration when possible, as this directly eliminates the attack vector. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls or security monitoring solutions that can detect and block attempts to inject malicious shortcodes through comment fields. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper privilege management, particularly when handling user-supplied content in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to command and control through web application vulnerabilities.