RSS Aggregator by Feedzy Vulnerability – Missing Authorization – CVE-2023-6798 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What settings could an attacker modify with this vulnerability?

What settings could an attacker modify with this vulnerability? An attacker able to exploit this could modify proxy settings, analytics, import/export configurations, feed fetching parameters, and other general plugin behaviors exceeding what author roles should control. By modifying proxies for example, traffic could get silently intercepted without triggering warnings.

Q: Can this allow taking over my entire site?

Can this allow taking over my entire site? No, the vulnerability is limited in scope to modifying plugin settings only, not granting an attacker administrative access or rights to alter other site areas. So while disruptive changes could occur, attackers cannot take over databases, users, core WordPress, etc without additional exploitation steps.

Q: Should I uninstall RSS Aggregator as a precaution?

Should I uninstall RSS Aggregator as a precaution? Likely unnecessary given the limited nature of settings changes themselves. The developers have shipped a patch fixing the root cause by adding capability checking where missing. Simply updating provides the necessary protection against this specific threat vector emerging again.

Q: What alternative RSS plugins could I consider?

What alternative RSS plugins could I consider? Some alternatives with comparable feed aggregation and auto-blogging tools include Feedweb, RSS Post Importer, WP RSS Aggregator, and Automatic Blogging Tool. Compare reviews and recent activity levels before replacing RSS Aggregator to determine the best option catered for your site's needs.

Q: How can I tell if my plugin settings were modified?

How can I tell if my plugin settings were modified? Carefully review all settings sections in the RSS Aggregator plugin backend looking for anything different than what you intentionally configured. Monitor site behavior for unexpected quirks indicating settings like proxies or analytics got changed silently. A WordPress backup right before updating can also help compare against.

Q: Why don't plugins get patched before vulnerabilities become public?

Why don't plugins get patched before vulnerabilities become public? The open source nature of most WordPress plugins means discoveries happen relatively transparently. Publicizing drives quicker resolutions by pressuring developers but also informs attackers. Responsible disclosure processes aim to balance both needs for the community.

Q: What proactive security steps should I be taking?

What proactive security steps should I be taking? Consider managed WordPress hosting providers handling auto-updates for you rather than manual plugin maintenance. Minimize plugins only to highly-rated essentials on reputable recommendation lists. Perform regular malware scans using tools like Wordfence. And implement site-wide two-factor authentication to mitigate breach impacts.

Q: What resources offer WordPress security guidance?

What resources offer WordPress security guidance? The Codex provides exceptional hardening guides covering permissions, keys, file hardening, disallowing bad bots, and extensive plugin advice. WordPress.org's general security FAQ introduces foundational principles as well. Superior third-party learning resources exist through publishers like Apress.

Q: Who can I contact for professional WordPress security services?

Who can I contact for professional WordPress security services? My digital agency offers affordable website security packages including setup help, file and traffic audits, cleaning detected infections, extensive WordPress hardening, and tailored recommendations to suit small business budgets. Schedule a free consultation anytime to discuss protecting your online presence!

Q: Should I disable RSS Aggregator entirely for now?

Should I disable RSS Aggregator entirely for now? Temporarily disabling the plugin until you fully assess wider impact could be wise as a short-term precaution. This ensures no dysfunctional settings changes disrupt visitors while allowing restoration after vetting the plugin's fixed security posture. But an outright permanent uninstall is likely unnecessary.

By Your WP Guy | January 5, 2024

Plugin Name: RSS Aggregator by Feedzy – Feed to Post, Autoblogging, News & YouTube Video Feeds Aggregator

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: feedzy-rss-feeds
Software Status: Active
Software Author: themeisle
Software Downloads: 1,986,458
Active Installs: 50,000
Last Updated: January 5, 2024
Patched Versions: 4.3.3
Affected Versions: <= 4.3.2

Vulnerability Details:

Name: RSS Aggregator by Feedzy – Feed to Post, Autoblogging, News & YouTube Video Feeds Aggregator <= 4.3.2
Title: Missing Authorization
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2023-6798
CVSS Score: 5.4
Publicly Published: January 5, 2024
Researcher: Colin Xu
Description: The RSS Aggregator by Feedzy – Feed to Post, Autoblogging, News & YouTube Video Feeds Aggregator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized settings update due to a missing capability check when updating settings in all versions up to, and including, 4.3.2. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with author-level access or above to change the plugin's settings including proxy settings, which are also exposed to authors.

Summary:

The RSS Aggregator by Feedzy plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 4.3.2 that allows authenticated attackers with author-level access or above to perform unauthorized settings updates, including proxy settings. This vulnerability has been patched in version 4.3.3.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability arises from a missing capability check when updating settings, allowing authenticated attackers with author-level access or above to change various plugin settings, including sensitive proxy settings exposed to authors. The risk involves potential unauthorized modification of plugin configurations. To address this vulnerability, users are strongly advised to update to version 4.3.3.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update the RSS Aggregator by Feedzy plugin to version 4.3.3 or later.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review the plugin settings for any unauthorized modifications, especially in proxy settings.
Alternate Plugins: Consider using alternative plugins that offer similar functionality as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Regularly update your WordPress plugins to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The swift response from the RSS Aggregator by Feedzy developers to patch this vulnerability emphasizes the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 4.3.3 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

Simplifying Website Security for Busy Owners

As a busy website owner without ample time to stay on top of every threat, keeping your site secure can feel impossible. But vulnerabilities like the one recently patched in the popular RSS Aggregator plugin only reinforce why vigilance matters. In this post I’ll simplify security by clearly explaining the vulnerability, your risk level, and actionable ways to lock down your website in minutes.

Understanding the RSS Aggregator Vulnerability

RSS Aggregator by Feedzy helps over 50,000 WordPress users automatically convert feeds into posts, pages, and more. This week a security researcher disclosed a vulnerability in versions up to 4.3.2 enabling some authenticated users to modify settings without authorization.

Specifically, the bug stems from a capability check missing when updating settings. Users with author access and above could exploit this to change sensitive proxy settings and other configurations they should not control. Attackers could leverage this to redirect traffic, inject ads, or enable unwanted capabilities.

The developers have now released version 4.3.3 to fully fix the vulnerability, scoring a moderate 5.4 CVSS severity rating due to limiting the affected user roles. Still, RSS Aggregator users face unnecessary risk until updating.

Assessing Your Site’s Risk Level

While branded moderately severe rather than extremely critical, the vulnerability still poses unnecessary website risks from unexpected functionality changes. Attackers could leverage new proxy settings to silently intercept traffic, analytics to steal insights, or import configurations adding vulnerabilities.

The good news is sites fully restricting author permissions likely face minimal real-world risk even before patching. But everyone should still update regardless since the settings modification vector exists without good reason. Eliminating unnecessary exposure keeps your site safer.

Updating to Eliminate the Vulnerability

If RSS Aggregator is active on your WordPress site, you should:

Immediately update to v4.3.3, which specifically repairs this bug by adding capability checking.
Check all plugin settings for anything modified without approval.
Consider temporarily disabling the plugin until assessing the risk.
Restrict author permissions to only those config changes legitimately needed.

Staying Secure Long-Term

RSS Aggregator has faced 3 previous vulnerabilities over the past few years, indicating systemic issues around access controls. From arbitrary surveys to remote code execution, threats inevitably arise without diligent auditing and patching.

As tempting as neglecting security feels for overloaded owners, a well-hardened site takes little effort:

Enable automatic background updates for plugins to remove the manual chore.
Minimize plugins and themes to only reputable options essential for your needs.
Leverage managed WordPress hosts handling technical tasks like updates for you.

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.

RSS Aggregator by Feedzy Vulnerability – Missing Authorization – CVE-2023-6798 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What settings could an attacker modify with this vulnerability?

Can this allow taking over my entire site?

Should I uninstall RSS Aggregator as a precaution?

What alternative RSS plugins could I consider?

How can I tell if my plugin settings were modified?

Carefully review all settings sections in the RSS Aggregator plugin backend looking for anything different than what you intentionally configured. Monitor site behavior for unexpected quirks indicating settings like proxies or analytics got changed silently. A WordPress backup right before updating can also help compare against.

Why don't plugins get patched before vulnerabilities become public?

What proactive security steps should I be taking?

Consider managed WordPress hosting providers handling auto-updates for you rather than manual plugin maintenance. Minimize plugins only to highly-rated essentials on reputable recommendation lists. Perform regular malware scans using tools like Wordfence. And implement site-wide two-factor authentication to mitigate breach impacts.

What resources offer WordPress security guidance?

Who can I contact for professional WordPress security services?

Should I disable RSS Aggregator entirely for now?

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged autoblogging, CVE-2023-6798, Feedzy, Plugin Updates, Plugin Vulnerability, RSS Aggregator, RSS feeds, securing wordpress, Website Security, WordPress, wordpress plugins, wordpress security