Critical WordPress Plugin Flaw Threatens 4 Million Sites

December 1, 2024December 1, 2024

Critical Authentication Bypass Vulnerability Discovered in Really Simple Security Plugin for WordPress

A severe authentication bypass vulnerability has been uncovered in the Really Simple Security (formerly Really Simple SSL) plugin for WordPress. This security flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-10924, poses a significant risk to over 4 million WordPress sites, potentially allowing attackers to gain full administrative access remotely. With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability could lead to widespread exploitation if not addressed promptly.

Understanding the Vulnerability

Wordfence security researcher István Márton highlights the nature of this vulnerability, emphasizing its scriptable characteristics. This means it can be converted into an automated attack, targeting WordPress sites on a large scale. The vulnerability affects both the free and premium versions of the Really Simple Security plugin, making it crucial for site owners to take immediate action.

Details of the Vulnerability

Affected Versions: The vulnerability is present in versions 9.0.0 to 9.1.1.1 of the plugin.
Cause: It stems from improper user check error handling in a function called "check_login_and_get_user." This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to log in as any user, including administrators, even when two-factor authentication is enabled.

Márton stated, "Unfortunately, one of the features adding two-factor authentication was insecurely implemented, making it possible for unauthorized attackers to gain access to any user account, including an administrator account, with a simple request."

Immediate Response and Patch Release

Following responsible disclosure on November 6, 2024, the plugin maintainers released a patch in version 9.1.2 just one week later. Given the risk of exploitation, WordPress has collaborated with the plugin team to force-update all sites using this plugin prior to the public announcement.

Potential Consequences of Exploitation

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow malicious actors to hijack WordPress sites for various criminal purposes. The implications of such a breach can be severe, making it essential for all site owners to ensure their plugins are up-to-date.

Related Vulnerabilities in WordPress Plugins

This alarming disclosure comes shortly after Wordfence reported a critical vulnerability in the WPLMS Learning Management System for WordPress (CVE-2024-10470), which also received a CVSS score of 9.8. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to read and delete arbitrary files, posing significant risks to the integrity of WordPress installations.

How to Protect Your WordPress Site

To safeguard your website from such vulnerabilities, consider the following steps:

Update Plugins Regularly: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions.
Use Security Plugins: Implement comprehensive security solutions like Wordfence to protect against potential threats.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: While it may not be foolproof, enabling two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security.

For further insights on WordPress security, check out our related articles on plugin vulnerabilities and best practices for website security.

Conclusion

The discovery of the authentication bypass vulnerability in the Really Simple Security plugin serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining security in the WordPress ecosystem. We encourage site owners to take immediate action to protect their sites and stay informed about the latest security updates.

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