Jetpack Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Scanner

Jetpack is a popular plugin for WordPress that is used to enhance the functionalities of WordPress websites. It is utilized by a vast number of sites to improve performance, security, and site management. Jetpack is developed and managed by Automattic, the same company behind WordPress.com. This plugin provides features such as site analytics, design tools, and marketing services, making it highly beneficial for both small blogs and large businesses. Being a comprehensive package, Jetpack is often used by website owners, developers, and marketers worldwide. This plugin is crucial for WordPress users seeking to consolidate various functionalities into a single plugin.

The vulnerability identified in the Jetpack plugin is an authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw. Stored XSS vulnerabilities occur when a script is injected into a web application and saved on the server, making it possible for malicious scripts to be executed when other users access the compromised page. In Jetpack, this vulnerability allows authenticated users to inject malicious scripts via a crafted Gist shortcode. Such a vulnerability poses a risk as it could allow attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of other authenticated users, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, credential theft, or other malicious activities.

The vulnerability details describe how a crafted Gist shortcode can be used to exploit the stored XSS vulnerability in Jetpack when certain conditions are met. Technical aspects involve injecting a malicious script through the 'post-new.php' and 'post.php' endpoints of WordPress, particularly in unauthorized shortcodes processed by the plugin. The vulnerability is tied to inadequate sanitization or validation of inputs provided by authenticated users. As the script is stored server-side, it could be executed when other users view the content, leading to persistent attack vectors. This showcases a flaw where specially crafted payloads can result in unauthorized script execution, affecting users interacting with or administering the blog.

If exploited, this vulnerability can have several damaging effects. Malicious entities could leverage the script execution to deface the site, redirect users to malicious sites, or steal sensitive cookies and session identifiers. Furthermore, it might enable attackers to carry out phishing attacks via trusted sites or manipulate site operations and data. Websites affected by such vulnerabilities could face reputational damage, data breaches, or cybersecurity incidents, which could have severe implications for user trust and data integrity. Network administrators and web developers must proactively address these potential threats to safeguard end-users and site operations from malicious misuse.

REFERENCES

• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/5e63453f-4d95-4bc3-9338-2d77f95f9ee7/
• https://wordpress.org/plugins/jetpack/