CVE-2023-6991
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the JSM file_get_contents() Shortcode WordPress plugin allows users with contributor role or higher to perform Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attacks. Attackers can make the vulnerable WordPress site send unauthorized requests to internal or external systems, potentially accessing sensitive data or services. All WordPress sites using the affected plugin versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- JSM file_get_contents() Shortcode WordPress plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could access internal services, exfiltrate sensitive data, scan internal networks, or use the vulnerable server as a proxy for attacks against other systems.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to internal HTTP services, information disclosure from internal systems, or scanning of internal network resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if network segmentation restricts internal access and external requests are filtered.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires contributor-level access or higher. The vulnerability is publicly documented with technical details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.7.1
Vendor Advisory: https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/0b92becb-8a47-48fd-82e8-f7641cf5c9bc
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'JSM file_get_contents() Shortcode' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download version 2.7.1+ from WordPress repository and replace the plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable the vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the plugin until patching is possible
wp plugin deactivate jsm-file-get-contents-shortcode
Restrict user roles
allRemove contributor roles from untrusted users and implement least privilege
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to restrict the WordPress server from accessing sensitive internal systems
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SSRF patterns in requests
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for 'JSM file_get_contents() Shortcode' plugin version. If version is below 2.7.1, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get jsm-file-get-contents-shortcode --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 2.7.1 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual outbound HTTP requests from WordPress server to internal IPs or unusual domains
- Multiple failed HTTP requests to internal addresses from WordPress process
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests from WordPress server to internal services not typically accessed
- Unusual traffic patterns from WordPress server to external IPs
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (url_contains="file_get_contents" OR user_agent_contains="WordPress") AND (dst_ip IN internal_ranges OR dst_ip NOT IN allowed_external)