CVE-2005-2110 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
WordPress 1.5.1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via (1) a direct request to menu-header.php or a "1" value in the feed parameter to (2) wp-atom.php, (3) wp-rss.php, or (4) wp-rss2.php, which reveal the path in an error message. NOTE: vector [1] was later reported to also affect WordPress 2.0.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2019
This vulnerability in WordPress versions 1.5.1.2 and earlier represents a sensitive data exposure issue that allows remote attackers to obtain system path information through crafted HTTP requests. The flaw manifests in multiple attack vectors including direct requests to menu-header.php with a feed parameter value of "1" and requests to wp-atom.php, wp-rss.php, or wp-rss2.php with similar parameter manipulation. The vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and demonstrates how improper error handling can lead to information disclosure. The affected components represent core WordPress feed generation functionality that handles various syndication formats including atom, rss, and rss2 protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits WordPress's feed handling mechanisms where the system fails to properly sanitize or validate input parameters before processing them. When attackers submit requests with feed parameter values of "1" to the specified PHP files, the application generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the server path structure through which WordPress is installed. This occurs because the application does not properly validate whether the feed parameter contains legitimate values or malicious input, leading to the execution path that outputs system paths in error messages. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible WordPress installations. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique categorized under T1213 - Data from Information Repositories, specifically targeting information disclosure through application-level vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. The revealed paths can expose directory structures, potentially enabling attackers to identify other potentially vulnerable components or locate sensitive files within the WordPress installation. This information disclosure can facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as directory traversal, local file inclusion, or other exploitation techniques that rely on knowing the exact file system structure. The vulnerability affects not only WordPress 1.5.1.2 but also WordPress 2.0.1 as noted in later reports, indicating the persistence of this error handling flaw across multiple versions. The attack vector requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for WordPress installations that do not implement proper input validation or error handling mechanisms. Organizations running affected versions should prioritize immediate remediation through patch updates or implementation of input sanitization measures to prevent unauthorized path disclosure.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling and input validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied parameters. WordPress developers should implement comprehensive parameter validation that ensures feed parameters contain only expected values and do not trigger error conditions that reveal system information. Security controls should include proper logging of suspicious requests and implementation of generic error messages that do not disclose system paths. The incident highlights the need for regular security assessments and patch management processes to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls or security headers that can help mitigate information disclosure attacks by filtering or sanitizing potentially dangerous input parameters. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that seemingly minor implementation flaws in error handling can have significant security implications and should be addressed through comprehensive security testing and code review processes.