Improper authentication in burstbv Burst Statistics – Simple WordPress Analytics

Summary

The Burst Statistics – Simple WordPress Analytics (Google Analytics Alternative) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Improper Authentication leading to Account Persistence in all versions up to, and including, 3.7.1. This is due to the `maybe_load_shared_dashboard()` handler issuing a genuine WordPress session cookie for the `burst_statistics_viewer` account to any visitor presenting a valid share token via `wp_set_auth_cookie()`, while the plugin only blocks Application Passwords for the resulting `burst_viewer` role and does not restrict the core `/wp-json/wp/v2/users/me` password update endpoint or filter the `edit_user` capability for that account — leaving WordPress core's built-in rule that any authenticated user may update their own account fully in effect. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to set an attacker-chosen password on the `burst_statistics_viewer` WordPress account, constituting a permanent takeover of that limited-privilege (`view_burst_statistics`) account that persists through share-token revocation, share-token expiration, and execution of the plugin's daily `cleanup_viewer_sessions()` routine. Exploitation requires that the attacker have obtained a valid `burst_share_token`, such as one that has been shared publicly or distributed to an untrusted party.