CVE-2024-53720
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the WP-ISPConfig 3 WordPress plugin allows attackers to perform Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks that lead to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). Attackers can trick authenticated administrators into executing malicious actions, potentially injecting persistent scripts into the website. All WordPress sites using WP-ISPConfig 3 versions up to 1.5.6 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WP-ISPConfig 3 WordPress Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete site takeover through admin account compromise, data theft, defacement, or malware distribution to visitors.
Likely Case
Unauthorized content modification, session hijacking of admin users, or credential theft via malicious scripts.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper CSRF tokens and XSS protections, though some functionality disruption possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires social engineering to trick authenticated admin into clicking malicious link; combines CSRF with XSS for persistent impact.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.5.6
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find WP-ISPConfig 3 plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. If no update available, deactivate and remove plugin until patched version released.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Implement CSRF Protection
allAdd CSRF tokens to all plugin forms and validate them server-side.
Enable WordPress Security Plugins
allUse security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri that include CSRF and XSS protection.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable or remove the WP-ISPConfig 3 plugin immediately.
- Restrict admin panel access to trusted IP addresses only using .htaccess or firewall rules.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for WP-ISPConfig 3 version number.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name=wp-ispconfig3 --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is higher than 1.5.6 after update; test admin forms for CSRF token implementation.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php or plugin-specific endpoints
- Multiple failed CSRF token validations in WordPress debug logs
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from WordPress server after admin actions
- Suspicious referrer headers in HTTP requests
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("csrf" OR "wp-ispconfig3") AND status=403