CVE-2007-1409 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
WordPress allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request for wp-admin/admin-functions.php, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1409 represents a critical information disclosure issue within WordPress versions prior to 2.1.3. This flaw occurs when attackers can directly access the wp-admin/admin-functions.php file through a remote request, which subsequently exposes sensitive system path information within error messages. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the WordPress administrative interface, specifically in how the system processes direct file access requests without proper authentication or authorization checks.
This security weakness falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities as defined by CWE-200, where the system inadvertently reveals confidential information to unauthorized users. The exposure of system paths through error messages creates significant operational risks for WordPress installations, as these paths often contain sensitive details about the server configuration, file structure, and potentially the operating system in use. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring any prior authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in public-facing environments where WordPress installations are accessible over the internet.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed paths can provide attackers with crucial reconnaissance data for subsequent attacks. Attackers can leverage the disclosed information to craft more sophisticated attacks targeting specific system configurations or to identify potential exploitation vectors that might be available through the exposed paths. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and defense in depth, as it allows unauthorized access to administrative components of the system through direct file access patterns that should typically be protected.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to WordPress version 2.1.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the information disclosure issue. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms for administrative directories can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor and block direct access attempts to administrative files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper error handling practices in web applications, where error messages should never contain sensitive system information that could aid attackers in their reconnaissance activities. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and demonstrates how information disclosure vulnerabilities can enable broader attack chains by providing attackers with essential system intelligence.