FormCraft3 is a WordPress plugin commonly used by website administrators to create forms for capturing and processing user inputs. It is widely used by bloggers, e-commerce platforms, and businesses for its interactive forms and ease of customization. The plugin is popular for contact forms, surveys, and user feedback forms. Its versatility makes it suitable for organizations looking to gather data directly from their audience or customers. The plugin is chosen for its ability to integrate seamlessly with various WordPress themes and external services. Its comprehensive functionality enables users to enhance user engagement and data collection through customized forms.
The detected vulnerability is a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) which allows an attacker to manipulate the server to send requests to arbitrary internal or external URLs. This vulnerability arises when the server does not sufficiently validate or authenticate requests that should be restricted to authenticated or authorized users. SSRF can lead to unauthorized access to internal services, sensitive data exposure, and interaction with cloud metadata like AWS or GCP. Such vulnerabilities are critical as they can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication from the attacker. The issue poses significant security risks by allowing unauthorized access to potentially sensitive backend resources.
Technical details of the SSRF vulnerability in FormCraft3 relate primarily to the 'formcraft3_get' AJAX endpoint, which is insufficiently protected against unauthorized access and manipulation. Attackers can craft URL requests that exploit this vulnerability to direct the target server to interact with unwanted resources. By targeting the '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php' endpoint with manipulated requests, attackers can force the server to disclose sensitive information or perform unintended actions. The plugin fails to properly sanitize and validate input, allowing requests that could access or manipulate internal service endpoints. This vulnerability can facilitate lateral movements within a network if exploited by clever attackers.
Exploiting the SSRF vulnerability in FormCraft3 can have severe consequences such as unauthorized access to internal network services and exposure of sensitive data. A successful attack could potentially expose server configurations, cloud infrastructure metadata, and private interfaces. Additionally, attackers might leverage this access to exploit further vulnerabilities within the network, leading to data leaks or system compromise. The risks include potential financial losses, reputation damage, and violation of privacy regulations. Preventative measures suggested include updating the plugin and enhancing authentication measures to restrict unauthorized access.
REFERENCES
- https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/formcraft/vulnerability/wordpress-formcraft-plugin-3-9-15-server-side-request-forgery-ssrf-vulnerability
- https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/a8ce5ff4-dd4c-411c-9b34-7824a75742b6/
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-xvfc-pj4j-wr9x
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-65442
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-0591
- Update FormCraft3 to the latest version that includes security patches, particularly v3.9.16 or higher.
- Implement additional input validation and sanitization measures to prevent unauthorized access through manipulated requests.
- Configure network firewalls to block outbound traffic to unknown or suspicious URLs to reduce SSRF exploitation risks.
- Employ thorough access controls to ensure sensitive endpoints are accessible only by authenticated and authorized users.
- Regularly audit plugins and their configurations for vulnerabilities and apply necessary updates promptly.
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