Featured Image from URL Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via fifu_input_url – CVE-2024-1496 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the vulnerability in Featured Image from URL?

What is the vulnerability in Featured Image from URL? The vulnerability is an improper neutralization of script-related HTML tags that allows authenticated users with contributor access or higher to store cross-site scripts in the WordPress database. When vulnerable versions of pages load, the injected scripts execute and can be leveraged for attacks.

Q: How can this vulnerability actually be exploited?

How can this vulnerability actually be exploited? By inserting JavaScript payloads using the fifu_input_url parameter, attackers can inject arbitrary scripts. For example, malicious users could leverage this to steal admin login session cookies, scrape sensitive site data that gets loaded on compromised pages, redirect to unwanted locations, or insert unwanted content.

Q: What could happen if my WordPress site was attacked using this vulnerability?

What could happen if my WordPress site was attacked using this vulnerability? Successful exploitation enables posting unauthorized JavaScript, stealing visitor or admin data, and modifying visible site content. In a worst case scenario, attackers could fully compromise the WordPress installation to control hosting account access. Even minimal impacts like injected ads could undermine integrity.

Q: I use an older version of FIFU. Should I upgrade immediately?

I use an older version of FIFU. Should I upgrade immediately? Yes, upgrading Featured Image from URL to the latest patched version 4.6.3 should be an immediate priority. This vulnerability is exploitable by any authenticated user with an account on vulnerable WordPress site installations using versions up to 4.6.2.

Q: How urgent is patching this plugin vulnerability?

How urgent is patching this plugin vulnerability? This vulnerability merits urgent attention. While complexity could hinder mass exploits in the wild currently, now that details are public, attacks may broaden over time. The CVSS score of 6.4 also signals potentially serious impact from this vector.

Q: How can I tell if my site has been compromised already?

How can I tell if my site has been compromised already? Carefully check pages and posts edited by Contributors and Authors for unauthorized JavaScript payloads or content changes. Also scan files for unknown code injections. If scripts are found, they should be removed and passwords reset. If extensive changes occurred, restore from a known clean backup.

Q: Are other WordPress plugins at risk from related issues?

Are other WordPress plugins at risk from related issues? While this specific vulnerability only impacts Featured Image from URL, other plugins may contain latent vulnerabilities yet undiscovered. The broader lesson underscores the necessity of prompt plugin upgrades as flaws emerge. Maintaining awareness and patching quickly is key.

Q: Should I consider alternatives to the FIFU plugin going forward?

Should I consider alternatives to the FIFU plugin going forward? Potential alternatives like Enable Media Replace or Add From Server could enable featured image URL functionality while avoiding risks from FIFU specifically. Evaluating alternate solutions can bolster defenses. However, staying updated remains crucial for all active plugins.

Q: What proactive steps can I take to avoid future WordPress plugin vulnerabilities?

What proactive steps can I take to avoid future WordPress plugin vulnerabilities? Establishing ongoing plugin update processes ensures you run vetted, secure versions. Automated tools also help flag both updates and new threats. Performing periodic vulnerability scans and leveraging expert services further strengthens proactive security posture.

Q: Why wasn't this vulnerability discovered during initial FIFU development?

Why wasn't this vulnerability discovered during initial FIFU development? The complex interplay of vulnerabilities and exploits makes eliminating every bug nearly impossible. While extensive testing occurs before release, subtle flaws often emerge only after broad deployment. Responsible disclosure initiatives encourage patching bugs cooperatively to expand ecosystem security over time.

By Your WP Guy | February 19, 2024

Plugin Name: Featured Image from URL

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: featured-image-from-url
Software Status: Active
Software Author: marceljm
Software Downloads: 4,896,915
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: February 19, 2024
Patched Versions: 4.6.3
Affected Versions: <= 4.6.2

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Featured Image from URL (FIFU) <= 4.6.2 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via fifu_input_url
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via fifu_input_url
Type: Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page (Basic XSS)
CVE: CVE-2024-1496
CVSS Score: 6.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: February 19, 2024
Researcher: Nikolas - mdr
Description: The Featured Image from URL (FIFU) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the fifu_input_url parameter in all versions up to, and including, 4.6.2 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor access or higher, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The Featured Image from URL for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 4.6.2 that allows authenticated users with contributor access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts via the fifu_input_url parameter. This vulnerability has been patched in version 4.6.3.

Detailed Overview:

Nikolas of mdr publicly disclosed on February 19, 2024 that the Featured Image from URL (FIFU) plugin contains an improper neutralization of script-related HTML tags vulnerability. This affects all versions up to and including 4.6.2. The vulnerability is due to insufficient sanitization of the fifu_input_url parameter, allowing authenticated users with contributor access or higher to store cross-site scripts that will execute when pages are loaded. This could enable posting of arbitrary JavaScript or stealing admin authentication cookies. The developer has released FIFU version 4.6.3 to address this vulnerability and users are advised to update immediately.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Upgrade to FIFU version 4.6.3 as soon as possible.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review posts and pages edited by Contributors and Authors for unauthorized scripts.
Alternate Plugins: Consider alternate featured image plugins like Add From Server or Enable Media Replace while assessing this vulnerability.
Stay Updated: Always keep FIFU and other plugins updated to avoid potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The prompt patch from FIFU developers shows the importance of rapid response to disclosed vulnerabilities. Users should upgrade to version 4.6.3 quickly to close this cross-site scripting threat that could lead to cookie theft or JavaScript injection by authenticated users.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/featured-image-from-url

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/featured-image-from-url/featured-image-from-url-fifu-462-authenticated-contributor-stored-cross-site-scripting-via-fifu-input-url

Detailed Report:

Keeping your WordPress website up-to-date is critical for security, as outdated plugins and themes can expose you to vulnerabilities capable of bringing down entire sites. Unfortunately, a popular WordPress plugin called Featured Image from URL (FIFU) has a newly disclosed vulnerability that allows authenticated users to inject malicious JavaScript onto pages. This cross-site scripting attack impacts 100,000+ active sites using versions of FIFU up to and including 4.6.2. Without the proper patch, attackers could leverage this to steal admin login cookies, extract sensitive site data, or insert unwanted content.

As a highly popular plugin with over 4 million downloads, Featured Image from URL allows WordPress site owners to easily set featured images using external URLs. However, researcher Nikolas of mdr recently discovered a vulnerability that impacts all FIFU versions up to 4.6.2 that could have serious consequences. By exploiting improper input sanitization in the fifu_input_url parameter, an attacker with just contributor access could store cross-site scripts that activate when pages load. This means the vulnerability provides an avenue for posting unwanted JavaScript, extracting sensitive site data, or even stealing admin login session cookies.

With a CVSS severity score of 6.4 (Medium), website owners using vulnerable FIFU versions should immediately update to version 4.6.3 which contains the patch. Developers have helpfully provided instructions for upgrading the plugin from within the WordPress dashboard to close this authenticated stored cross-site scripting threat. In the meantime, users should check their sites for unauthorized scripts that may have already been injected by attackers that found this vector. Previous FIFU vulnerabilities over the past few years also underscore the importance of prompt upgrades to safe versions.

Security vulnerabilities like this one demonstrate the importance of having WordPress experts regularly monitor, maintain and update your site. At Your WP Guy, we offer ongoing management to handle updates, security monitoring, backups, uptime and support so you can stop worrying and get back to growing your business.

Let us fully audit your site to check for any signs of this vulnerability or other issues. We'll immediately update any out-of-date plugins and harden your site's security. Chat with us anytime during business hours, schedule a call or call 678-995-5169 to lock down your online presence.