WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – Top 10 – Cross-Site Request Forgery via edit_count_ajax
Plugin Name: Top 10
Key Information:
- Software Type: Plugin
- Software Slug: top-10
- Software Status: Active
- Software Author: ajay
- Software Downloads: 1,049,082
- Active Installs: 20,000
- Last Updated: November 3, 2023
- Patched Versions: 3.3.3
- Affected Versions: <= 3.3.2
Vulnerability Details:
- Name: Top 10 <= 3.3.2 - Cross-Site Request Forgery via edit_count_ajax
- Title: Cross-Site Request Forgery via edit_count_ajax
- Type: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
- CVSS Score: 4.3 (Medium)
- Publicly Published: November 3, 2023
- Description: The Top 10 – WordPress Popular posts by WebberZone plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in all versions up to, and including, 3.3.2. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the 'edit_count_ajax' function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to edit post counts via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
Summary:
The Top 10 plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.3.2 that allows for Cross-Site Request Forgery. This vulnerability has been patched in version 3.3.3.
Detailed Overview:
The Top 10 – WordPress Popular posts plugin by WebberZone has a vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to edit post view counts by tricking an administrator into clicking a malicious link or taking another action. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the 'edit_count_ajax' function. Attackers could exploit this to artificially inflate view counts. This affects all versions up to and including 3.3.2. The developer has addressed this in version 3.3.3.
Advice for Users:
- Immediate Action: Update to version 3.3.3 or higher as soon as possible.
- Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your posts and look for any inflated or abnormal view counts as a sign your site may have been compromised.
- Alternate Plugins: Consider using an alternate popular posts plugin like WP-PostRatings or Simple Popularity Posts.
- Stay Updated: Always keep your plugins updated, especially when vulnerabilities are disclosed.
Conclusion:
The quick response by the developers to patch this CSRF vulnerability in Top 10 highlights the importance of timely security updates. Users should update to version 3.3.3 or higher immediately to protect their WordPress sites.
References:
https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/top-10
Detailed Report:
Keeping your WordPress website and its plugins up-to-date is crucial for security. Unfortunately, many site owners fail to stay on top of updates, leaving their sites exposed to vulnerabilities. This was recently highlighted by a critical vulnerability disclosed in the popular Top 10 plugin.
The Top 10 plugin, with over 1 million downloads, allows you to display the most popular posts on your WordPress site. However, versions up to and including 3.3.2 contain a flaw allowing unauthenticated cross-site request forgery (CSRF). This means an attacker could potentially inflate post view counts or cause other harm simply by tricking an admin into clicking a malicious link.
While the developer has released version 3.3.3 to patch the issue, many sites likely still run the affected versions. Failing to update Top 10 or other plugins when security issues are found puts your site at risk.
This CSRF vulnerability allows attackers to edit post view counts without authentication. They can artificially inflate counts by forging requests if they can trick an admin into a simple action like clicking a link. This affects all Top 10 versions up to and including 3.3.2.
The risks include artificially inflating view counts, impacting analytics and metrics. Attackers could also maliciously downgrade legitimate popular posts by lowering view counts. This vulnerability allows significant manipulation that can undermine the accuracy and integrity of your content.
To remediate this issue, users should update to Top 10 version 3.3.3 or higher immediately. You should also review your posts for abnormal view counts as a sign your site may have already been compromised. Consider using an alternate popular posts plugin as a precaution if you are unable to update Top 10.
This is the 9th vulnerability disclosed in Top 10 since July 2016, underscoring the importance of promptly updating plugins, especially popular ones that are frequent targets.
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.