CVE-2024-13569 Scanner

WordPress Front End Users is a popular plugin used by WordPress site administrators to manage user interactions from the front end conveniently. It facilitates user registration, login, and profile management on WordPress websites without requiring backend access, enhancing its usability for non-technical users. Developed by etoilewebdesign, this plugin aids webmasters and developers in customizing user experience on their WordPress platforms. It is widely integrated into sites requiring user interaction and participation, such as forums, membership sites, and online courses. This software helps in bridging the functionality gap between standard WordPress installations and complex user management needs. Despite its benefits, like many plugins, it necessitates careful management to avert security vulnerabilities.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into webpages viewed by users. In the context of the WordPress Front End Users plugin, unsanitized input parameters create opportunities for such scripts to execute. These scripts can run in the context of high-privilege users, potentially compromising sensitive information. Exploitation typically requires crafting a malicious link or request to a vulnerable endpoint. Once executed, these scripts can hijack user sessions, steal cookies, or perform actions on behalf of the victim. This type of vulnerability is majorly dangerous for websites dealing with sensitive user data.

Technical details reveal that the vulnerability stems from a lack of proper sanitization and escaping in parameter handling within the plugin. The reflected XSS arises when user input is not adequately validated and sanitized, allowing script injection. The exploit tested engages with the plugin by sending a POST request to the login page and then a crafted GET request containing a script to a page handled by the plugin. An unsanitized output subsequently executes this contentious script, rendering the webpage vulnerable. The lack of input validation presents a security hole ripe for exploitation, urging immediate remediation.

If exploited, this XSS vulnerability could permit attackers to run harmful scripts showcasing the impacted site's legitimacy. The scripts might manipulate user data, modify site settings, or divulge user sessions leading to unauthorized account control. Session hijacking could enable attackers to access privileged user areas or modify site content covertly. The trust and security implications could be detrimental, leading to customer distrust, legal consequences, and loss of business credibility. Prompt identification and patching are crucial to mitigate these risks.

REFERENCES

• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/b9742440-0e36-4900-b58e-41c9854a62b2/