CVE-2024-4898: InstaWP Connect Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2024-4898 Overview

The InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary option updates due to a missing authorization checks on the REST API calls in all versions up to, and including, 0.1.0.38. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to connect the site to InstaWP API, edit arbitrary site options, and create administrator accounts.

Critical Impact

The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to alter critical site configurations, potentially resulting in a full site compromise.

Affected Products

• InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration plugin 0.1.0.38 and earlier

Discovery Timeline

• Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
• Not Available - Responsible disclosure to instawp
• Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-4898 assigned
• Not Available - instawp releases security patch
• 2024-06-12T11:15:50.907 - CVE CVE-2024-4898 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21T09:43:49.167 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-4898

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is classified as an authorization bypass through the REST API, allowing unauthorized users to perform critical operations without proper authentication.

Root Cause

Missing authorization checks on certain REST API endpoints allow attackers to modify site options and escalate privileges.

Attack Vector

This is a network-based attack, exploitable remotely without needing authenticated access.

# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
curl -X POST "http://example.com/wp-json/instawp/v1/connect" \
     -d '{"option_name": "new_option", "option_value": "malicious_code"}'

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-4898

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual REST API calls in server logs
• Unexpected changes in WordPress site settings
• Unauthorized creation of administrator accounts

Detection Strategies

Monitor server logs for abnormal POST requests to /wp-json/instawp/v1/connect without proper authentication headers.

Monitoring Recommendations

Utilize security plugins that log REST API activity and alert administrators of anomalous behavior, especially changes to critical options and user roles.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-4898

Immediate Actions Required

• Disable the plugin until a patch is applied.
• Review administrator accounts for unauthorized entries.
• Monitor changes to WordPress options and settings.

Patch Information

Install the security update provided by instawp as soon as it becomes available. Refer to the Vendor Advisory for more details.

Workarounds

Limit the REST API access to authenticated users via WordPress settings or relevant security plugins.

# Configuration example
disable REST_API_ACCESS
add_filter('rest_authentication_errors', function($access) {
    if (!is_user_logged_in()) {
        return new WP_Error('rest_cannot_access', 'REST API restricted to authenticated users.', ['status' => 401]);
    }
    return $access;
});