CVE-2024-13685
CVE-2024-13685 is a vulnerability in the Admin and Site Enhancements (ASE) WordPress plugin, potentially allowing attackers to bypass login limits. The ASE plugin before version 7.6.10 uses potentially untrusted headers to retrieve client IP addresses. By manipulating these headers, an attacker can circumvent the intended security measures.
Although the CVSS score is 0, indicating minimal base severity, the SOCRadar Vulnerability Risk Score (SVRS) is 38 and marked 'In The Wild', highlighting an active threat. This suggests that while the inherent technical impact might seem low, exploits are being observed. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access or disrupt services by bypassing authentication controls. Immediate patching to version 7.6.10 or later is crucial to mitigate potential risks and maintain website integrity. The risk is unauthorized access.
Description
CVE-2024-13685 is a vulnerability in the Admin and Site Enhancements (ASE) WordPress plugin before version 7.6.10. It allows attackers to bypass login limits by manipulating client IP addresses through untrusted headers. The SOCRadar Vulnerability Risk Score (SVRS) for this CVE is 38, indicating a lower criticality level and suggesting that immediate action is not as critical as with higher-scored vulnerabilities.
Key Insights
- Untrusted Header Exploitation: The core issue lies in the plugin's reliance on potentially spoofed client IP addresses retrieved from HTTP headers, opening a pathway for attackers to circumvent login limits.
- Limited Severity: Although exploitable, the CVSS score of 5.3 and the SVRS of 38 suggest a moderate risk, possibly due to the specific conditions required for successful exploitation or the limited scope of the impact.
- WordPress Plugin Vulnerability: This vulnerability specifically affects WordPress sites using the vulnerable version of the ASE plugin. The prevalence of WordPress installations means a potentially large attack surface exists, though the relatively low SVRS score mitigates this concern somewhat.
Mitigation Strategies
- Update the ASE WordPress Plugin: The primary mitigation step is to update the Admin and Site Enhancements (ASE) plugin to version 7.6.10 or later. This version contains the fix for the vulnerability.
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules: Consider deploying WAF rules to filter and sanitize HTTP headers, preventing attackers from manipulating the client IP address. This provides an additional layer of protection against similar vulnerabilities.
- Monitor WordPress Logs: Implement monitoring of WordPress logs for suspicious login attempts or unusual activity originating from specific IP addresses. Early detection can help mitigate the impact of successful exploits.
Additional Information
If users have additional queries regarding this incident, they can use the 'Ask to Analyst' feature, contact SOCRadar directly, or open a support ticket for more information if necessary.
Indicators of Compromise
Exploits
News
Social Media
Affected Software
References
CWE Details
CVE Radar
Real-time CVE Intelligence & Vulnerability Management Platform
CVE Radar provides comprehensive vulnerability intelligence by monitoring CVE databases, security advisories, and threat feeds. Get instant updates on new vulnerabilities, exploit details, and mitigation strategies specific to your assets.