WordPress Pie Register Open Redirect Scanner

WordPress Pie Register is a widely used plugin designed to facilitate custom registration forms for WordPress websites. It is utilized by developers and site administrators who need to manage user access and sign-up procedures effectively. The plugin helps streamline user management on sites ranging from small blogs to large-scale corporate online platforms that require tailored registration processes. With extensive features for registration form customization, it is trusted in various industries including education, e-commerce, and memberships. The software offers extendable functionalities with premium versions to meet advanced requirements. Pie Register is appreciated for its user-friendly interface and compatibility with various WordPress themes and plugins.

An open redirect vulnerability exists when an application allows users to be redirected to arbitrary external domains by manipulating URLs. In the case of WordPress Pie Register, the vulnerability arises due to improperly validated user inputs in the wp_redirect() function. This can result in users being redirected to malicious sites without their knowledge. Such vulnerabilities are frequently targeted by attackers to perform phishing attacks or steal sensitive information from unsuspecting users. Open redirects can also facilitate social engineering attacks. It is crucial for websites that rely on redirections to ensure robust validation of URLs to prevent exploitation.

The vulnerability in WordPress Pie Register is specifically linked to inadequate input validation in the 'redirect_to' parameter. When users log out using the plugin, they can be redirected to a malicious site by specifying a URL through this vulnerable parameter. Attackers could exploit this to deceive users into visiting phishing sites, making it appear as if they are legitimate or associated with the original site. The lack of constraints or validation checks for this parameter makes it exploitable for open redirects. As a result, the site could inadvertently assist malicious actions by creating a perception of legitimacy to potentially harmful links.

If malicious actors exploit this open redirect vulnerability, it can lead to users inadvertently visiting harmful sites, potentially compromising personal data like login credentials or sensitive information. Users could fall victim to phishing scams, believing the redirect is a legitimate pathway. Furthermore, consistent exploitation could damage the reputation of the affected site as users lose trust in their online security practices. Open redirect issues can also result in degradation of search engine rankings as search engines detect the potential for phishing and malware dissemination. It is vital to address such vulnerabilities promptly to protect user trust and maintain security integrity.

REFERENCES

• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/f6efa32f-51df-44b4-bbba-e67ed5785dd4
• https://wordpress.org/plugins/pie-register/