CVE-2024-0235 Scanner

EventON is a popular plugin used with WordPress to create and manage events on websites. It is utilized by web developers and site owners to provide an engaging interface for users to view and interact with events. Its purpose is to facilitate event management with options like virtual events, RSVP, and other interactive features. The software is widely implemented in business websites, personal blogs, and any other platform requiring event scheduling. Due to its comprehensive features, EventON is a preferred choice for many users aiming to display events dynamically. With a significant user base, the EventON plugin is a staple in the WordPress plugin ecosystem, offering both free and premium versions to suit various needs.

This vulnerability involves an information disclosure issue within the EventON WordPress plugin. The problem stems from a lack of authorization in an AJAX action, which leads to unauthenticated users being able to retrieve email addresses of the blog’s users. This disclosure vulnerability poses a security risk as it allows potentially private information to be viewed by unauthorized individuals. Unauthorized access to email information can lead to further security risks, such as phishing attacks or spam. Thus, while the vulnerability may seem minor, its implications for privacy and security are significant. Addressing this disclosure is crucial to maintain user trust and protect sensitive information on WordPress sites utilizing this plugin.

The technical aspect of this vulnerability is due to missing authorization checks in an AJAX action utilized by the plugin. By sending a specific POST request to the 'admin-ajax.php' with particular parameters, an attacker can access email addresses without any authentication. The parameter '_user_role=administrator' is particularly leveraged in this exploit. The request aims at a vulnerable endpoint designed for internal use but is accessible without proper access controls. Thus, attackers can craft requests that reach this endpoint and retrieve any user's email, exploiting the flaw in access control mechanisms. Such weaknesses are a critical reminder of the importance of thorough validation and security practices in software development.

Exploiting this vulnerability can have several detrimental effects, primarily compromising user privacy. Unauthorized access to user email addresses can facilitate targeted phishing attacks, leading to further security breaches. Users might experience an increase in spam or malicious attempts to infiltrate personal accounts. For WordPress site owners, this vulnerability signifies a breach of trust with users whose data has been exposed. Beyond user inconvenience, site reputation can suffer, impacting overall engagement and credibility. Furthermore, legal ramifications are possible depending on the data protection regulations applicable to the specific site or user base, making it crucial to address and remediate the issue promptly.

REFERENCES

• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/e370b99a-f485-42bd-96a3-60432a15a4e9/
• https://github.com/fkie-cad/nvd-json-data-feeds
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-0235