CVE-2024-47374 Scanner

LiteSpeed Cache is a widely used plugin for WordPress websites, developed by LiteSpeed Technologies, that focuses on improving site performance through caching mechanisms. Website administrators and developers use it to enhance page load times and manage cache settings efficiently, making it popular among WordPress users. The plugin is utilized across various domains, including e-commerce, blogs, and enterprise sites, due to its ability to reduce server loads and accelerate delivery of static content. It allows seamless integration with the LiteSpeed Web Server, capitalizing on its cache features for faster content rendering. Additionally, LiteSpeed Cache offers optimization tools such as image optimization and database cleanup, further enhancing overall site performance. The plugin is essential for those seeking to improve user experience by minimizing latency and ensuring the swift delivery of web pages.

The vulnerability identified in this scanner relates to stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), a type of flaw allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This vulnerability arises when user input is not properly sanitized, enabling hostile data to be interpreted by the browser as code. Attackers exploit this flaw by injecting scripts that can execute in the contexts of other user's sessions, potentially leading to various forms of attacks. Commonly, such scripts might be used to hijack user sessions, deface websites, or redirect users to malicious sites. The impact of successful exploitation can be severe, compromising the affected site's integrity and user trust. Addressing this vulnerability is crucial as it can undermine the security measures of the hosting web server and website.

Technically, the vulnerability affects the LiteSpeed Cache plugin versions up to 6.5.0.2 due to improper neutralization of input during webpage generation. The affected endpoint involves the cache vary headers, where unsanitized input can be stored and later executed in the context of the victim's browser. By storing a payload such as "" in header data, attackers are capable of executing arbitrary code when a victim accesses the affected page. The scanner tests these conditions by sending crafted requests that mimic this form of exploitation, identifying vulnerable instances. The plugin fails to accurately filter out harmful script tags from user entries, facilitating script execution in a stored manner. Mitigation involves updating to a secured version where input handling is properly implemented.

Exploitation of this stored XSS vulnerability allows for execution of arbitrary scripts in the context of users visiting the affected web pages. Possible effects include session hijacking, which can lead to unauthorized access to user accounts if authentication tokens or session identifiers are captured. Additionally, attackers could modify on-site content (defacement), leading to brand damage or misleading information dissemination. There is also the risk of redirecting users to spoofed or phishing websites, potentially deceiving them into handing over sensitive information. Such vulnerabilities can degrade user trust and expose the website to further cascades of attacks facilitated by the manipulated environment. Immediate remediation steps must be undertaken to protect both the site and its users from potential harm.

REFERENCES

• https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/litespeed-cache/litespeed-cache-61-unauthenticated-stored-cross-site-scripting
• https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/litespeed-cache/wordpress-litespeed-cache-plugin-6-5-0-2-cross-site-scripting-xss-vulnerability?_s_id=cve