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Aman Mishra@gbhackers.com
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Hackers have successfully compromised the popular WordPress plugin Gravity Forms, embedding malicious code into versions downloaded directly from the official gravityforms.com website. This sophisticated supply chain attack targets a significant portion of WordPress websites relying on Gravity Forms for form creation and data collection. The attackers are reportedly exploiting a vulnerability within the plugin, specifically targeting the gf_api_token parameter. This allows them to inject malicious PHP code into core plugin files, such as gravityforms/common.php and includes/settings/class-settings.php, creating backdoors that can lead to remote code execution and unauthorized access.
The malicious campaign was first detected when security researchers observed suspicious HTTP POST requests to a newly registered domain, gravityapi.org, which served as a command-and-control server. The injected malware is capable of exfiltrating sensitive WordPress site data, including URLs, plugin lists, user counts, and environment details, transmitting this information to the attacker-controlled domain. Upon receiving a response, the malware can deploy further payloads, such as writing a backdoored PHP file to the server that masquerades as legitimate content management tools. This backdoor enables attackers to execute arbitrary code, create new administrator accounts, upload files, and manipulate site content with devastating effects.
In response to the discovered vulnerability, Gravity Forms has swiftly released version 2.9.13 of the plugin, which is confirmed to be free of the backdoor. Additionally, the registrar Namecheap has suspended the malicious gravityapi.org domain to disrupt ongoing exploitation efforts. Website administrators are strongly advised to update their Gravity Forms plugin to the latest version immediately to mitigate the risk of compromise. Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity, particularly POST requests to the identified malicious domain, is also a crucial step in preventing unauthorized access and code execution on affected WordPress sites.
ImgSrc: blogger.googleu
References :
The malicious campaign was first detected when security researchers observed suspicious HTTP POST requests to a newly registered domain, gravityapi.org, which served as a command-and-control server. The injected malware is capable of exfiltrating sensitive WordPress site data, including URLs, plugin lists, user counts, and environment details, transmitting this information to the attacker-controlled domain. Upon receiving a response, the malware can deploy further payloads, such as writing a backdoored PHP file to the server that masquerades as legitimate content management tools. This backdoor enables attackers to execute arbitrary code, create new administrator accounts, upload files, and manipulate site content with devastating effects.
In response to the discovered vulnerability, Gravity Forms has swiftly released version 2.9.13 of the plugin, which is confirmed to be free of the backdoor. Additionally, the registrar Namecheap has suspended the malicious gravityapi.org domain to disrupt ongoing exploitation efforts. Website administrators are strongly advised to update their Gravity Forms plugin to the latest version immediately to mitigate the risk of compromise. Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity, particularly POST requests to the identified malicious domain, is also a crucial step in preventing unauthorized access and code execution on affected WordPress sites.
ImgSrc: blogger.googleu
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References :
- cyberpress.org: WordPress GravityForms Plugin Targeted in Malicious Code Injection Attack
- Ian Campbell: Just a heads-up on this supply chain attack on the Gravity Forms wordpress plugin, one IOC is POST requests to gravityapi[.]org - a 3 day old domain. That domain shares an IP with gravityapi[.]io. cc
- Talkback Resources: WordPress Gravity Forms developer hacked to push backdoored plugins
- gbhackers.com: Hackers Compromise WordPress GravityForms Plugin with Malicious Code Injection
- Cyber Security News: WordPress GravityForms Plugin Targeted in Malicious Code Injection Attack
- securityonline.info: WordPress Supply Chain Attack: Gravity Forms Plugin Backdoored Through Official Downloads
- gbhackers.com: Hackers have targeted the popular WordPress plugin Gravity Forms, injecting malicious code into versions downloaded from the official gravityforms.com domain.
Classification:
- HashTags: #WordPress #SupplyChainAttack #Malware
- Company: Microsoft
- Target: WordPress sites
- Product: Gravity Forms
- Feature: Code Injection
- Type: Malware
- Severity: Major