CVE-2024-13553: Critical Authentication Bypass in SMS Alert Order Notifications Plugin for WooCommerce

Vulnerability Summary

• CVE ID: CVE-2024-13553

• Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.1 Score: 9.8)

• Attack Vector: Network

• Privileges Required: None

• User Interaction: None

• Impact: Full account takeover, including administrator access

Affected Products

How the Exploit Works

The vulnerability stems from the plugin’s reliance on the Host header to determine if it’s operating in a “playground” environment. In such environments, the plugin sets the One-Time Password (OTP) code to a static value of “1234” for testing purposes. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this by spoofing the Host header in HTTP requests, tricking the plugin into treating the request as if it’s from a playground environment. This allows the attacker to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain access to any user account, including those with administrative privileges.​GitHub+2NVD+2CVE+2CVE+1NVD+1

Conceptual Example Code

An attacker might craft a request as follows to exploit the vulnerability:​

By setting the Host header to a value recognized as a playground environment and providing the static OTP, the attacker can gain unauthorized access.​CVE+1GitHub+1

Potential Risks

• Complete takeover of WordPress sites​

• Unauthorized access to sensitive customer data​VulDB+1GitHub+1

• Installation of malicious plugins or themes​CVE

• Defacement or disruption of e-commerce operations​

Mitigation Recommendations

• Update the Plugin: Ensure the SMS Alert Order Notifications plugin is updated to the latest version where this vulnerability is patched.​CVE+4Red Hat Customer Portal+4GitHub+4

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF): Use a WAF to detect and block malicious requests, including those with spoofed Host headers.​

• Restrict Access: Limit access to the WordPress admin panel and sensitive endpoints to trusted IP addresses.​NVD+1Red Hat Customer Portal+1

• Monitor Logs: Regularly review server and application logs for suspicious activities, such as repeated login attempts or unusual Host headers.​

• Educate Users: Inform users about the importance of strong authentication methods and encourage the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA).​

Conclusion

CVE-2024-13553 is a critical vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms in the SMS Alert Order Notifications plugin for WooCommerce. Exploiting this flaw can lead to full site compromise, posing significant risks to e-commerce operations. Immediate action is required to update the plugin and implement recommended security measures to protect against potential exploitation.​GitHub

References

• NVD – CVE-2024-13553

• Wordfence Advisory

• GitHub Security Advisory

• WordPress Plugin Changeset 3227241

• WordPress Plugin Changeset 3248017