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A Critical Vulnerability in the Feedzy RSS Aggregator Plugin Exposes WordPress Sites to SSRF Attacks
A recently disclosed vulnerability in the popular Feedzy RSS Aggregator plugin for WordPress has raised concerns among cybersecurity researchers. Tracked as GHSA-rcrc-cv3g-57rr, this flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to perform Blind Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attacks, potentially compromising internal services and sensitive data.
The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 5.1.1, making it critical for administrators to update immediately. Below, we break down the technical details, potential impact, and recommended remediation steps.
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Technical Details: How the Vulnerability Works
The flaw resides in the `feedzy_lazy_load` function, which is responsible for fetching and processing RSS feeds. Due to insufficient input validation, an attacker can manipulate the function to make arbitrary HTTP requests from the server hosting the WordPress site.
Key Characteristics:
- Unauthenticated Exploitation: Attackers do not need to be logged in to exploit this vulnerability.
- Blind SSRF: The server processes the request but does not return the response to the attacker, making detection challenging.
- Internal Service Exposure: Attackers can probe internal networks, bypass firewalls, and interact with backend systems.
The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input in the feed URL parameter. By crafting a malicious request, an attacker can trick the server into sending requests to internal or external systems under their control.
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Impact Assessment
The implications of this vulnerability are severe, particularly for organizations relying on the Feedzy plugin for automated content aggregation. Potential consequences include:
1. Data Exfiltration
Attackers can query internal databases, APIs, or cloud services, potentially extracting sensitive information.
2. Lateral Movement
If the WordPress server has access to internal networks, attackers may pivot to other systems.
3. Denial of Service (DoS)
Malicious actors could overload internal services by sending excessive requests.
4. Credential Theft
If the server interacts with authentication systems, attackers may intercept or manipulate session tokens.
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Who Is Affected?
The vulnerability impacts all WordPress sites running Feedzy RSS Aggregator versions up to 5.1.1. Given the plugin’s popularity (with over 100,000 active installations), many websites may be at risk.
High-Risk Environments:
- News and media sites relying on automated content aggregation.
- Corporate blogs that use Feedzy for news feeds.
- E-commerce sites integrating YouTube or product feeds.
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How to Fix: Immediate Remediation Steps
1. Update the Plugin Immediately
The developers have released a patched version (5.1.2 or later). Administrators should:
- Log in to the WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
- Locate Feedzy RSS Aggregator and click Update Now.
2. Apply Temporary Workarounds (If Update Is Not Possible)
If an immediate update is unfeasible, administrators can:
- Disable the plugin until a patch is applied.
- Restrict server access via firewall rules to block suspicious outbound requests.
3. Monitor for Suspicious Activity
- Check server logs for unusual outbound HTTP requests.
- Use security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to detect SSRF attempts.
4. Review Third-Party Integrations
If the plugin interacts with internal APIs or cloud services, ensure those systems are secured against unauthorized access.
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Conclusion
The Feedzy RSS Aggregator vulnerability underscores the risks of unvalidated input in web applications. While the patch is available, administrators must act swiftly to mitigate potential exploits. Regular plugin updates and security audits remain essential for maintaining a secure WordPress environment.
For further details, refer to the official advisory:
[GHSA-rcrc-cv3g-57rr](https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-rcrc-cv3g-57rr)
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