GHSA-2mg4-pfgx-64cf: AVideo's WebSocket Token Never Expires Due to Commented-Out Timeout Validation in verifyTokenSocket()
SummaryThe `verifyTokenSocket()` function in `plugin/YPTSocket/functions.php` has its token timeout validation commented out, causing WebSocket tokens to never expire despite being generated with a 12-hour timeout. This allows captured or legitimately obtained tokens to provide permanent WebSocket access, even after user accounts are deleted, banned, or demoted from admin. Admin tokens grant access to real-time connection data for all online users including IP addresses, browser info, and page locations.DetailsWebSocket tokens are generated via `getEncryptedInfo()` which calls `getToken(43200)` to create a token with a 12-hour expiration window. The token is encrypted and contains security-critical claims: `isAdmin`, `from_users_id`, `user_name`, IP, browser, and device ID.The regular HTTP token verification at `objects/functions.php:3437-3439` enforces the timeout:But the WebSocket-specific verification at `plugin/YPTSocket/functions.php:65-82` has the enforcement commented out:**Execution flow:**Client connects to WebSocket with `?webSocketToken=TOKEN` in URL query`onOpen()` (Message.php:34) calls `getDecryptedInfo($wsocketGetVars['webSocketToken'])` (line 48)`getDecryptedInfo()` (functions.php:49) decrypts the token and calls `verifyTokenSocket($json->token)` (line 54)`verifyTokenSocket()` validates the salt (passes) but the timeout check at line 77 evaluates the condition without acting on failure — `return false` is commented outFunction returns `true` — connection established with all token claims (`isAdmin`, `from_users_id`) trusted**Impact amplification via isAdmin:**When a connection has `isAdmin=true` (from token, Message.php:58), the `getTotals()` function (Message.php:419-432) includes detailed data about every connected client in periodic broadcast messages:Additionally, the `webSocketToken` message type (Message.php:212-217) allows anonymous connections (`users_id=0`) to upgrade their identity by providing a captured token, meaning stolen tokens work from new connections indefinitely.The 10-minute inactivity timeout (Message.php:135-143) is not a mitigation — it only closes idle connections and resets on every message (line 243).PoC**Scenario: Demoted admin retains permanent admin WebSocket access**Admin user obtains WebSocket token (contains `isAdmin: true`)Admin is demoted to regular user via the web interfaceAdmin's WebSocket token still works indefinitely — the `isAdmin` claim in the token is never re-validatedDemoted user continues receiving all connected users' IPs, locations, and browsing activityImpact**Permanent access after credential revocation:** Deleted, banned, or suspended users retain WebSocket access with their original identity and privilege level, undermining account lifecycle management.**Privilege persistence after demotion:** Admin users who are demoted retain admin-level WebSocket access indefinitely. The `isAdmin` flag baked into the token is never re-checked against the database.**Real-time surveillance via admin tokens:** Admin-level tokens expose all connected users' IP addresses, geographic locations (if User_location plugin enabled), current page URLs (selfURI), browser fingerprints, and device IDs — enabling real-time tracking of user activity.**Extended attack window for token theft:** Any vulnerability that leaks a WebSocket token (XSS, log exposure, network interception) provides permanent rather than 12-hour access, significantly increasing the impact of token compromise.**Identity hijacking:** The `webSocketToken` message type allows using a stolen token to assume another user's identity on new connections, enabling impersonation in chat and messaging.Recommended FixUncomment the timeout enforcement in `verifyTokenSocket()` at `plugin/YPTSocket/functions.php:77-80`:Additionally, consider:Adding an admin check to the `getClientsList` handler (Message.php:219) so only admins can enumerate connected users.Re-validating the `isAdmin` claim against the database periodically rather than trusting the token claim for the lifetime of the connection.
CVSS v3.1: 5.4