CVE-2023-4284 Scanner

The WordPress Post Timeline Plugin is a widely used plugin that allows users to create interactive and visually appealing timeline posts on their WordPress websites. It is commonly used by bloggers, content creators, and businesses to showcase historical events, project timelines, and updates in an engaging format. The plugin integrates with WordPress themes and can be customized to fit different website designs. Users can add multimedia elements such as images, videos, and links to their timelines. Due to its popularity, it is essential to ensure its security to prevent unauthorized access and malicious exploitation. Proper updates and security measures are necessary to maintain the integrity of websites using this plugin.

The vulnerability in the WordPress Post Timeline Plugin allows for reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. This occurs because the plugin does not properly sanitize and escape an invalid nonce before outputting it in an AJAX response. Attackers can exploit this flaw by injecting malicious JavaScript into the response, which executes in the administrator's browser context. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, the attacker typically needs to trick an administrator into visiting a maliciously crafted link. If successfully exploited, the vulnerability could lead to session hijacking, phishing, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the administrator. Proper sanitization and validation of input fields are required to mitigate this risk. Website administrators should update the plugin to the latest version to prevent exploitation.

The vulnerability exists in the AJAX response handling of the plugin, specifically when processing an invalid nonce parameter. The plugin fails to properly escape this input before returning it to the client, allowing an attacker to embed JavaScript payloads. The endpoint "/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=ptl_ajax_handler" is susceptible, and an attacker can send a specially crafted request with a malicious payload in the "asl-nounce" parameter. When an administrator interacts with this response, the injected JavaScript executes in their browser. This execution occurs within the WordPress admin panel, potentially compromising sensitive data and allowing unauthorized actions to be performed. The exploitation relies on social engineering techniques to lure administrators into triggering the payload.

If exploited, the vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript in an administrator’s browser. This could lead to session hijacking, where attackers steal session cookies and gain unauthorized access to the WordPress dashboard. Additionally, it may facilitate phishing attacks, redirecting users to malicious sites disguised as legitimate WordPress pages. Attackers could also manipulate website content, create rogue administrator accounts, or install malicious plugins. In more severe cases, this could lead to a complete compromise of the affected WordPress site, giving attackers control over user data and website functionality. The impact depends on the privileges of the exploited user, with administrative accounts being the most valuable targets.

REFERENCES

• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/1c126869-0afa-456f-94cc-10334964e5f9
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-4284