Insufficient Entropy in Cookie Encryption in Auth0 WordPress Plugin
Summary
GHSA-vfpx-q664-h93m: Auth0 WordPress Plugin has Insufficient Entropy in Cookie Encryption. Affects auth0/wordpress versions >= 5.0.0-BETA0, < 5.6.0. Fixed in 5.6.0. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Auth0 WordPress Plugin is a widely used tool that integrates Auth0's authentication services into WordPress applications. It allows developers to easily implement secure login features, manage user sessions, and enhance application security. However, certain versions of this plugin have been found to have a significant vulnerability related to cookie encryption, which could compromise user session security.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the use of insufficient entropy in the encryption of cookies within applications built using the Auth0 PHP SDK. This weakness allows threat actors to potentially brute-force the encryption key, enabling them to forge session cookies. If successful, this could lead to unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive information, posing a serious security risk to affected applications.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
5.6.0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
composer require auth0/wordpress:5.6.0Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, users can implement additional security measures such as enforcing strong session management practices and monitoring for unusual login activity. However, upgrading to the latest version is the recommended solution.
Conclusion
The Auth0 WordPress Plugin has a critical vulnerability due to insufficient entropy in cookie encryption, affecting versions up to 5.5.0. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to version 5.6.0 or later to protect their applications from potential attacks. Regular monitoring and security practices are essential to maintain application integrity.
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FAQ
Versions between 5.0.0-BETA0 and 5.5.0 of the Auth0 WordPress Plugin are affected by this vulnerability.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 8.2, indicating a high severity level.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to forge session cookies, leading to unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive data.
While upgrading is the best solution, implementing strong session management practices can help mitigate the risk temporarily.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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