CVE-2024-9990 in Crypto Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/29/2024
The Crypto plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions up to, and including, 2.15. This is due to missing nonce validation in the 'crypto_connect_ajax_process::check' function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to log in as any existing user on the site, such as an administrator via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The Crypto plugin for WordPress represents a critical security vulnerability that affects versions up to and including 2.15, exposing websites to sophisticated cross-site request forgery attacks. This vulnerability stems from the absence of proper nonce validation within the crypto_connect_ajax_process::check function, creating a fundamental flaw in the plugin's authentication mechanism that undermines the security posture of affected WordPress installations.
The technical flaw manifests as a complete breakdown in the plugin's ability to verify the authenticity of AJAX requests originating from legitimate users. A nonce serves as a cryptographic token that ensures requests are genuinely initiated by authorized users and not forged by malicious actors. Without this validation, attackers can craft malicious requests that appear to come from legitimate sources, effectively bypassing the normal authentication flow that should prevent unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to assume the identity of any existing user account on the WordPress site. This particularly dangerous scenario becomes even more severe when considering that administrators often possess elevated privileges that allow full control over website content, user management, and system configuration. The attack vector requires social engineering elements where administrators must be tricked into clicking malicious links, but once successful, the consequences are devastating for site security and integrity.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links. The attack pattern demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in security controls can create significant entry points for attackers seeking to compromise high-value accounts. The fact that this affects the crypto plugin suggests potential implications for cryptocurrency-related websites where administrative access could lead to financial losses or unauthorized transactions.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the nonce validation issue, implementation of additional security layers such as two-factor authentication for administrative accounts, and enhanced monitoring of suspicious login patterns. Website administrators should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers and regular security audits to detect similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data or financial transactions.