CVE-2006-4208 in Wp-db Backup Plugin For Wordpress
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in wp-db-backup.php in Skippy WP-DB-Backup plugin for WordPress 1.7 and earlier allows remote authenticated users with administrative privileges to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the backup parameter to edit.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4208 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Skippy WP-DB-Backup plugin for WordPress versions 1.7 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the wp-db-backup.php component and enables remote authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to access arbitrary files on the target system through manipulation of the backup parameter in the edit.php script. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path traversal operations, allowing malicious users to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access sensitive system files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated administrator user interacts with the plugin's backup functionality. By crafting a malicious backup parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot), attackers can manipulate the file reading operations to access files outside the designated backup directory. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which defines path traversal vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when an application allows unrestricted access to files and directories by manipulating input data to point to arbitrary file locations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires only administrative privileges, which are typically limited to authorized users within a WordPress environment, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where administrative accounts are compromised or where attackers can escalate privileges.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to WordPress installations using the affected plugin version, as it allows attackers to potentially access database credentials, configuration files, user information, and other sensitive data stored on the server. The ability to read arbitrary files through a backup utility represents a severe privilege escalation vector that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract database contents, access plugin configuration files that may contain database connection strings, and potentially discover other vulnerabilities within the WordPress installation or underlying server infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress plugins often contain sensitive information and that the backup functionality is typically accessible to administrators who may not be properly secured.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including updating to the latest version of the Skippy WP-DB-Backup plugin where the directory traversal issue has been patched. System administrators should implement the principle of least privilege by ensuring that only necessary users have administrative access to WordPress installations and that all administrative accounts utilize strong authentication mechanisms. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed by the backup functionality, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can monitor for and block suspicious parameter manipulation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of validating all user-supplied input and following secure coding practices that prevent path traversal attacks, which are commonly addressed through adherence to the OWASP Top Ten security guidelines and proper implementation of access controls as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.