CVE-2024-9262 in User Meta Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
The User Meta – User Profile Builder and User management plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and including, 3.1 via the getUser() due to missing validation on a user controlled key. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to obtain user meta values from form fields. Please note that this requires a site administrator to create a form that displays potentially sensitive information like password hashes. This may also be exploited by unauthenticated users if the 'user-meta-public-profile' shortcode is used insecurely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9262 affects the User Meta – User Profile Builder and User management plugin for WordPress, representing a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity of user data protection mechanisms. This issue manifests as an Insecure Direct Object Reference vulnerability, a well-documented weakness categorized under CWE-284, which occurs when an application provides direct access to objects based on user-supplied input without proper authorization checks. The flaw exists within the plugin's getUser() function where insufficient validation occurs on user-controlled keys, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access that bypasses normal security controls. The vulnerability impacts all versions of the plugin up to and including version 3.1, making it a widespread concern for WordPress installations that utilize this particular plugin for user management and profile building functionalities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker with at least Contributor-level access or higher, though the threat landscape expands significantly when considering unauthenticated attacks through insecure shortcode usage. The attack vector specifically targets the plugin's handling of user meta values, allowing malicious actors to retrieve sensitive information from form fields that should remain protected. This includes potentially sensitive data such as password hashes that might be inadvertently exposed through form configurations. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it only requires a site administrator to create a form that displays sensitive information, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent. The flaw essentially allows attackers to directly reference user objects using manipulated input parameters, bypassing normal access controls that should prevent unauthorized data retrieval.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-9262 extends beyond simple data exposure, creating potential pathways for further attacks within WordPress environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access user meta information that may include personal details, authentication tokens, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or identity theft. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials, indicates that successful exploitation could lead to credential compromise and broader system infiltration. When combined with other vulnerabilities or through social engineering attacks, this weakness could facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as account takeover or lateral movement within the WordPress installation. The risk is particularly elevated for sites that utilize the 'user-meta-public-profile' shortcode insecurely, as this creates an unauthenticated attack path that could be exploited by anyone with access to the WordPress site.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9262 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the identified Insecure Direct Object Reference flaw, following the principle of least privilege by restricting user access levels and carefully reviewing form configurations that might expose sensitive data. Administrators should implement strict validation controls on all user-controlled input parameters and regularly audit form field configurations to prevent accidental exposure of sensitive information. The recommended approach includes disabling or properly securing the 'user-meta-public-profile' shortcode usage, implementing additional access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter manipulation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or custom code components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing that even seemingly benign plugins can introduce critical security weaknesses when proper security controls are not implemented.