Unauthenticated Data Exposure in Ninja Forms WordPress Plugin

Executive Summary

This is a missing authorization vulnerability in the Ninja Forms WordPress plugin affecting versions before 3.14.9. It allows authenticated attackers with Author-level access to expose stored form submissions to unauthenticated visitors by embedding a specific Gutenberg block on a published post. Attackers can retrieve a signed bearer token from visitors' browsers and use it to access all saved form submission data, including sensitive personal information.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Detection Guidance

Check for unauthorized embedding of the ninja-forms/submissions-table Gutenberg block in published posts. Inspect browser requests for the signed bearer token via wp_localize_script and verify if it is exposed in REST API responses for submissions endpoints.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Impact Analysis

If you use Ninja Forms version 3.14.8 or earlier, attackers could access sensitive data submitted through your forms, such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers. This could lead to privacy breaches, identity theft, or unauthorized data exposure for your users.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to non-compliance with GDPR and HIPAA due to unauthorized access to personally identifiable information. GDPR requires protecting personal data, and HIPAA mandates safeguarding protected health information. A breach could result in legal penalties and reputational damage.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Mitigation Strategies

Update Ninja Forms plugin to version 3.14.9 or later to patch the missing authorization flaw. Review and remove any suspicious posts containing the vulnerable Gutenberg block with arbitrary formID parameters.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0