CVE-2024-9707 in Hunk Companion Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/11/2024
The Hunk Companion plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin installation/activation due to a missing capability check on the /wp-json/hc/v1/themehunk-import REST API endpoint in all versions up to, and including, 1.8.4. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to install and activate arbitrary plugins which can be leveraged to achieve remote code execution if another vulnerable plugin is installed and activated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9707 affects the Hunk Companion plugin for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress installations. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's REST API endpoint at /wp-json/hc/v1/themehunk-import, which lacks proper authentication and authorization mechanisms. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the system and perform unauthorized operations that should typically require administrative privileges. The vulnerability impacts all versions of the plugin up to and including version 1.8.4, making it a widespread concern for WordPress users who have not updated their installations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the absence of capability checks within the REST API endpoint implementation. According to CWE-863, this represents a "Incorrect Authorization" flaw where the system fails to properly verify that the requesting entity has the necessary permissions to perform the requested action. The endpoint in question should require administrative privileges to install and activate plugins, but instead accepts requests from any user without proper authentication. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the WordPress environment through legitimate plugin installation mechanisms that are normally protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with a foothold that can lead to complete system compromise. The ability to install and activate arbitrary plugins opens multiple attack vectors since plugins often have extensive permissions and access to system resources. When combined with other vulnerabilities or the presence of additional vulnerable plugins, this flaw can be leveraged to achieve remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for WordPress administrators. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of external remote services to gain access to systems, as attackers can exploit this endpoint without requiring direct access to the WordPress installation.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and access control implementation within the plugin's REST API design. The REST API endpoint should have implemented proper authentication checks using WordPress's built-in capability management system, which would require users to possess appropriate privileges such as 'install_plugins' or 'activate_plugins' before allowing such operations. The lack of these checks represents a fundamental security oversight that violates basic security principles and best practices for API development. Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of the Hunk Companion plugin where this vulnerability has been patched, and conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any other potential entry points that could be exploited through similar mechanisms.