Custom Twitter Feeds Vulnerability – A Tweets Widget or X Feed Widget – Cross-Site Request Forgery to Plugin Options Update – CVE-2024-0379 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report
Plugin Name: Custom Twitter Feeds – A Tweets Widget or X Feed Widget
Key Information:
- Software Type: Plugin
- Software Slug: custom-twitter-feeds
- Software Status: Active
- Software Author: smashballoon
- Software Downloads: 2,300,603
- Active Installs: 100,000
- Last Updated: February 13, 2024
- Patched Versions: 2.2.2
- Affected Versions: <= 2.2.1
Vulnerability Details:
- Name: Custom Twitter Feeds <= 2.2.1
- Title: Cross-Site Request Forgery to Plugin Options Update
- Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N
- CVE: CVE-2024-0379
- CVSS Score: 4.3
- Publicly Published: February 6, 2024
- Researcher: Rhynorater - Critical Thinking Podcast kodaichodai
- Description: The Custom Twitter Feeds plugin, a popular tool for integrating Twitter content into WordPress sites, has been identified with a vulnerability that allows for Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in versions up to 2.2.1. This vulnerability stems from inadequate nonce validation within the plugin's function for auto-saving Twitter API tokens, potentially allowing unauthenticated attackers to manipulate the plugin's settings if they can deceive an administrator into clicking a malicious link.
Summary:
The Custom Twitter Feeds plugin, essential for displaying Twitter content on WordPress sites, has been compromised by a CSRF vulnerability in versions up to 2.2.1. This flaw, addressed in the recent update to version 2.2.2, highlighted the critical need for stringent security measures in plugin development, particularly in functions handling sensitive information like API tokens.
Detailed Overview:
Discovered by researcher Rhynorater from the Critical Thinking Podcast, this vulnerability underscores the risks associated with insufficient security checks in plugins. By exploiting the vulnerability, attackers could potentially alter the site's Twitter API token and secret through a forged request, leading to unauthorized changes in the plugin's settings. The resolution of this issue in version 2.2.2 underscores the importance of immediate and proactive responses to security threats.
Advice for Users:
- Immediate Action: Users of the Custom Twitter Feeds plugin are advised to update to the latest version, 2.2.2, immediately to mitigate the risk posed by the CSRF vulnerability.
- Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Site administrators should review plugin settings to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made, especially concerning Twitter API tokens and secrets.
- Alternate Plugins: While the patched version addresses this vulnerability, exploring alternative Twitter feed plugins can provide additional functionality and potentially enhance site security.
- Stay Updated: Regular updates of all WordPress components are essential to protect against known vulnerabilities and maintain a secure online presence.
Conclusion:
The prompt patching of the CSRF vulnerability in the Custom Twitter Feeds plugin serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software within the WordPress ecosystem. For WordPress site owners, particularly those with limited time for technical maintenance, understanding the significance of regular plugin updates is paramount in safeguarding their sites from potential threats. This incident highlights the collective responsibility of developers, researchers, and users in maintaining a secure and trustworthy digital environment.
References:
- Wordfence Vulnerability Report on Custom Twitter Feeds 2.2.1
- Wordfence Vulnerability Overview for Custom Twitter Feeds
In the digital expanse of WordPress, where plugins serve as essential tools for site enhancement and functionality, the integrity and security of these tools are paramount. The recent identification of a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability within the "Custom Twitter Feeds – A Tweets Widget or X Feed Widget" plugin, marked as CVE-2024-0379, brings to light the perpetual battle against cybersecurity threats and the critical necessity for constant vigilance. Esteemed for its capability to integrate Twitter feeds seamlessly into WordPress sites, this plugin found itself at the center of a security lapse that could potentially jeopardize website settings and undermine user confidence.
Plugin Overview:
"Custom Twitter Feeds" is a widely adopted plugin developed by smashballoon, boasting over 2.3 million downloads and sustaining 100,000 active installations. Its primary function is to enrich WordPress sites with Twitter content, enhancing user engagement and content diversity. As of February 13, 2024, the plugin was actively maintained, with the latest secure version being 2.2.2.
Vulnerability Details:
CVE-2024-0379 exposes a CSRF vulnerability present in versions up to 2.2.1 of the plugin, where a gap in nonce validation in the 'submit_review' function could allow unauthenticated attackers to alter the site's Twitter API tokens through a forged request. This vulnerability was brought to light by researcher Rhynorater, emphasizing the potential for unauthorized configuration changes if an administrator were misled into interacting with a malicious link.
Potential Risks:
The implications of this vulnerability are far-reaching, with the primary risk being the unauthorized manipulation of plugin settings, leading to potential misuse of Twitter API tokens and secrets. Such exploits could disrupt the intended functionality of the Twitter feeds on the site, compromise the site's security, and erode the trust of site visitors and users.
Remediation Steps:
In response to CVE-2024-0379, the plugin developers swiftly released version 2.2.2, which rectifies the CSRF vulnerability, reinforcing the plugin's defenses against such unauthorized modifications. Site administrators are urged to upgrade to this patched version immediately to secure their installations. Furthermore, reviewing plugin settings for any unauthorized changes and staying vigilant for suspicious activities are prudent practices.
Historical Context:
This is not the first instance of vulnerability associated with the "Custom Twitter Feeds" plugin, with three previous issues reported since July 20, 2021. Each of these vulnerabilities has been a learning opportunity, underscoring the importance of ongoing security audits and updates in the lifecycle of WordPress plugins.
Concluding Thoughts:
The timely resolution of CVE-2024-0379 in the "Custom Twitter Feeds" plugin serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software within the WordPress ecosystem. For WordPress site owners, especially small business owners who juggle multiple responsibilities, understanding the significance of regular plugin updates is paramount in safeguarding their sites from potential threats. This incident not only highlights the collective responsibility of developers, researchers, and users in maintaining a secure digital environment but also underscores the necessity for proactive security measures in an age where digital threats are continually evolving.
Staying Secure
Staying on top of WordPress security can feel overwhelming for small business owners without dedicated IT staff. At Your WP Guy, we exist to shoulder that burden for you. Our WordPress experts can fully audit, secure, maintain and support your site - so you can focus on growing your business with peace of mind.
Don't tackle security risks alone. Let us help you assess any impact from this vulnerability, update your plugins, and implement ongoing maintenance to avoid future threats. We treat your website like it's our own - because we know how critical it is for reaching your customers.
Get in touch for a free consultation today on making WordPress security stress-free. Call 678-995-5169 or book a call here. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you safeguard your online presence.
