CVE-2024-54255 is an Open Redirect vulnerability identified in the Login Widget With Shortcode plugin developed by aviplugins.com, affecting all versions up to and including 6.1.2. The vulnerability arises because the plugin improperly validates URLs used in redirection processes, allowing attackers to manipulate redirect parameters to send users to arbitrary, untrusted external sites. This flaw can be exploited by attackers to craft malicious URLs that appear to originate from legitimate websites using the vulnerable plugin, thereby facilitating phishing attacks by deceiving users into visiting fraudulent sites that may steal credentials or deliver malware. The vulnerability does not require authentication, making it accessible to unauthenticated attackers, but it does require user interaction, such as clicking a malicious link. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The affected product is a WordPress plugin widely used to add login widgets via shortcode, making it relevant to a broad range of WordPress-powered websites. The lack of proper URL validation in the plugin’s redirect mechanism is the root cause, and the issue is categorized as an Open Redirect vulnerability, which is a common vector for phishing and social engineering attacks. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on December 9, 2024, and users are advised to monitor for patches or updates from the vendor. Until a patch is available, mitigation involves manual validation of redirect URLs or disabling the vulnerable widget. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure URL handling in web applications and plugins.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-54255 is on the confidentiality and trustworthiness of user interactions with affected websites. By enabling attackers to redirect users to malicious sites, the vulnerability facilitates phishing campaigns that can lead to credential theft, malware infections, and broader social engineering attacks. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise the integrity or availability of the affected systems, the reputational damage to organizations and potential financial losses from successful phishing attacks can be significant. Organizations relying on the Login Widget With Shortcode plugin may experience increased phishing risks, especially if users are unaware of the redirection manipulation. The ease of exploitation—requiring only the crafting of malicious URLs and user interaction—makes this vulnerability a practical threat for attackers. The scope is limited to websites using the vulnerable plugin, but given WordPress’s widespread use, the potential reach is substantial. No authentication is required, increasing the attack surface. Overall, the vulnerability can undermine user trust and lead to indirect security breaches through phishing, making it a notable risk for organizations with an online presence using this plugin.

1. Apply vendor patches immediately once available to address the Open Redirect vulnerability in the Login Widget With Shortcode plugin. 2. Until a patch is released, disable or remove the vulnerable login widget shortcode from the website to prevent exploitation. 3. Implement strict server-side validation of all redirect URLs to ensure they only point to trusted internal destinations. 4. Use Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the domains to which users can be redirected. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of phishing and the importance of verifying URLs before clicking. 6. Monitor web server logs and analytics for unusual redirect patterns or spikes in traffic to suspicious domains. 7. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block open redirect attempts targeting this plugin. 8. Consider adding user warnings or confirmation prompts before performing redirects to external sites. 9. Regularly audit all third-party plugins for security updates and vulnerabilities to reduce exposure. 10. Maintain an incident response plan to quickly address phishing incidents stemming from this vulnerability.