Wordpress RDF User Enumeration Scanner
Detects 'User Enumeration' vulnerability in WordPress.
Short Info
Level
Low
Single Scan
Single Scan
Can be used by
Asset Owner
Estimated Time
10 seconds
Time Interval
25 days 5 hours
Scan only one
URL
Toolbox
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WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) widely used across the globe for creating and managing websites and blogs. It is favored by individuals, small businesses, and large corporations due to its ease of use, flexibility, and extensive plugin ecosystem. The platform is used for publishing, e-commerce, online community building, and digital marketing. WordPress supports a vast array of customization options via themes and plugins, allowing users to tailor their sites to specific needs. It enables users to manage content and website tasks efficiently with minimal technical knowledge. Due to its widespread use, WordPress is often a target for security researchers and cybercriminals alike.
User Enumeration in WordPress occurs when an attacker can gain access to usernames registered on a WordPress site. This vulnerability often allows malicious actors to list valid usernames via plugins, themes, or core functionalities. Usernames can be a critical part of brute force attacks where cyber attackers try to crack passwords by guessing them using known usernames. Enumeration doesn't necessarily exploit vulnerabilities in the WordPress core but often leverages insecure configurations or exposed endpoints. It is a precursor step in more severe attack vectors, potentially leading to unauthorized access. By obtaining valid usernames, attackers improve their chances of compromising WordPress accounts.
The specific point of vulnerability is the RDF feed endpoint in WordPress, which is not appropriately secured, allowing leakages of usernames. RDF, or Resource Description Framework, is a web standard from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and might reveal information about authors. Attackers can target the RDF feed at ‘/feed/rdf’ path to extract user data embedded in the feed response. The test looks for specific patterns in both HTTP headers and body content that indicate the exposure of usernames. By matching conditions within the API response, it confirms the presence of the vulnerability and allows for extraction of username data.
When exploited, User Enumeration can lead to significant security threats. Attackers armed with valid usernames can perform brute force attacks to compromise accounts and gain unauthorized access. The exposure of usernames lowers overall security posture and increases potential for targeted phishing or social engineering attacks. It may also facilitate other vulnerabilities, such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) or SQL injection, if combined with other security gaps. Successful exploitation can result in data breaches, reputational damage, and loss of trust among users and customers. As usernames could be linked to more sensitive personal or organizational data, data privacy concerns are amplified.
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