CVE-2024-2473 Scanner

The WPS Hide Login plugin for WordPress is utilized by website administrators who wish to secure their login pages by changing the default URL. This plugin is popular among WordPress site owners looking to enhance the security of their login interface and prevent unauthorized access attempts. It provides an additional layer of security against brute force attacks by making it difficult for attackers to locate the login page. The plugin is widely used across various types of WordPress sites, ranging from personal blogs to large corporate websites. Developers and security specialists recommend this plugin for reducing the exposure of the WordPress login page. It is an effective tool in the WordPress security toolkit for non-technical users aiming to safeguard their site.

The vulnerability in the WPS Hide Login plugin allows for login page disclosure through a specific parameter manipulation. This occurs when an attacker supplies the 'action=postpass' parameter, which creates a bypass of the plugin's concealment feature. As a result, the login page, which was supposed to remain hidden, can be discovered. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 1.9.15.2. While the plugin is intended to obscure the default WordPress login page, this flaw undermines its primary function, posing a risk to websites that depend on its security features. Knowing this vulnerability helps site administrators to apply necessary fixes promptly.

Technically, the issue stems from an inadequate access control mechanism regarding the 'action' parameter in the request. When a POST request is made to the '/wp-admin/?action=postpass', it triggers a 302 redirection. This indicates that the plugin's normal behavior for obscuring the login page has been circumvented. Additionally, the response header may contain specific indicators like 'reauth=1' or a '/login' path pointing to the login page's location. This vulnerability is exploitable remotely and requires minimal interaction with the affected site, making it a potential entry point for attackers. It is essential to understand these technical details to efficiently identify and patch the flaw.

If exploited, the vulnerability could lead to unauthorized users discovering the login page URL. This knowledge allows attackers to initiate brute force attacks or phishing schemes targeting legitimate users. The exposure of the login URL significantly raises the risk of compromise, especially if the underlying authentication practices of the site are weak. Consequently, websites using the affected plugin could face increased security incidents, potential data breaches, and unauthorized access. These repercussions could result in loss of customer trust and damage to the website's reputation.

REFERENCES

• https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/wps-hide-login/wps-hide-login-19152-login-page-disclosure
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-2473