Login With Ajax Vulnerability – Cross-Site Request Forgery to Notice Dismissal – CVE-2024-30546 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report
Plugin Name: Login With Ajax – Fast Logins, 2FA, Redirects
Key Information:
- Software Type: Plugin
- Software Slug: login-with-ajax
- Software Status: Active
- Software Author: netweblogic
- Software Downloads: 1,056,131
- Active Installs: 30,000
- Last Updated: April 24, 2024
- Patched Versions: 4.2
- Affected Versions: <= 4.1
Vulnerability Details:
- Name: Login With Ajax <= 4.1
- Title: Cross-Site Request Forgery to Notice Dismissal
- Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N
- CVE: CVE-2024-30546
- CVSS Score: 4.3
- Publicly Published: April 10, 2024
- Researcher: Dhabaleshwar Das
- Description: The Login With Ajax plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions up to, and including, 4.1. This vulnerability arises from missing or incorrect nonce validation on the dismiss_admin_notice() function, enabling unauthenticated attackers to dismiss notices via a forged request, provided they can trick a site administrator into clicking a link.
Summary:
The Login With Ajax plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 4.1 that allows for Cross-Site Request Forgery due to inadequate nonce validation in the dismiss_admin_notice() function. This vulnerability has been patched in version 4.2.
Detailed Overview:
The vulnerability in the Login With Ajax plugin stems from improper nonce validation within the dismiss_admin_notice() function, which allows for Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). This type of vulnerability is particularly troubling as it exploits the web's trust model, potentially allowing attackers to perform actions disguised as a legitimate user without their consent. In this instance, attackers could dismiss administrative notices, potentially leading to missed critical warnings or updates. The researcher, Dhabaleshwar Das, highlighted the importance of implementing robust nonce checks to prevent such vulnerabilities. Immediate updating to the patched version is crucial to prevent potential exploitation.
Advice for Users:
- Immediate Action: Users should update to the patched version, 4.2, immediately to mitigate the risk.
- Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators should review admin notice logs to verify if any unexpected notice dismissals have occurred, which might indicate exploitation.
- Alternate Plugins: While the patched version resolves this issue, users may consider evaluating other authentication plugins that demonstrate strong, consistent security practices as an additional precaution.
- Stay Updated: Continuously updating plugins and maintaining awareness of new patches are essential steps in securing your WordPress site against emerging threats.
Conclusion:
The swift action taken by the developers of Login With Ajax to address this CSRF vulnerability highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in the management of website plugins. With new threats continuously emerging, it is imperative for users to maintain their installations up-to-date, ensuring that they are using the most secure versions of any software. Staying informed and proactive in updating can significantly decrease the risks posed by potential vulnerabilities.
References:
Detailed Report:
In the dynamic world of digital technology, maintaining the security of your website is as crucial as the content you publish. Plugins, while enhancing site functionality and user experience, also pose potential security risks if not properly managed. A recent example is the vulnerability found in the "Login With Ajax" plugin, a tool designed to facilitate fast logins and redirects on WordPress sites. This situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vigilance in website security management.
About the Login With Ajax Plugin
The "Login With Ajax" plugin by netweblogic enables WordPress sites to handle user logins, two-factor authentication, and redirects seamlessly. It is popular among website owners, boasting over 1,056,131 downloads and active on approximately 30,000 sites. Despite its utility, the plugin was found to have a significant security flaw in versions up to and including 4.1, necessitating immediate attention from its users.
Vulnerability Details
Identified as CVE-2024-30546, this vulnerability is categorized as a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attack. It specifically affects the plugin’s ability to handle nonce validation in its dismiss_admin_notice() function. This flaw could allow unauthenticated attackers to forge requests that dismiss admin notices, potentially leading to overlooked critical warnings or updates. The vulnerability, with a CVSS score of 4.3, was publicly disclosed on April 10, 2024, by researcher Dhabaleshwar Das.
Risks and Potential Impacts
The primary risk of this CSRF vulnerability lies in its ability to disrupt administrative workflows and obscure important security warnings that could contain alerts about other vulnerabilities or necessary updates. For a small business, this could translate into missed opportunities to address other security threats in a timely manner, possibly leading to more severe breaches.
Remediation Steps
The developers of the Login With Ajax plugin responded swiftly to the discovery of the CSRF vulnerability by releasing a patched version, 4.2. Users are strongly advised to update to this version immediately to secure their sites. Additionally, site administrators should regularly check their admin notice logs for any unusual dismissal of notifications that could suggest an exploit of this vulnerability.
Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities
This is not the first time that the Login With Ajax plugin has been susceptible to security issues; it has had 5 documented vulnerabilities since May 7, 2012. This history underlines the need for continuous monitoring and updating of this plugin to protect against potential security threats.
Conclusion
The swift response by the developers to patch this vulnerability underscores the critical need for ongoing vigilance in the management of website plugins. For small business owners managing their own WordPress installations, staying informed about such vulnerabilities and proactively updating plugins are essential practices. These steps are not just about maintaining operational integrity but also about protecting your business's online presence and the trust of your users. In an age where digital threats are constantly evolving, staying ahead with security updates is one of the most reliable ways to defend your digital assets.
This cohesive structure of the blog post aims to inform, alert, and guide WordPress site owners, particularly small business owners who might struggle with the time needed to stay on top of such technical challenges, emphasizing the importance of regular updates and proactive security practices.
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.
Login With Ajax Vulnerability – Cross-Site Request Forgery to Notice Dismissal – CVE-2024-30546 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs
What exactly is a CSRF vulnerability?
What exactly is a CSRF vulnerability?
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is a security threat that tricks a user into executing unwanted actions on a web application where they are authenticated. In the context of WordPress and the Login With Ajax plugin, this could allow attackers to perform administrative actions fraudulently. This type of vulnerability exploits the trust that a website has in the user's browser, making it a critical risk for any web-based platform.