CVE-2007-2482 in wordtube
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in wordtube-button.php in the wordTube 1.43 and earlier plugin for WordPress, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the wpPATH parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2482 affects the wordTube WordPress plugin version 1.43 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk when the PHP configuration setting register_globals is enabled. This vulnerability resides within the wordtube-button.php script and exploits a fundamental flaw in input validation mechanisms that govern file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers manipulate the wpPATH parameter through directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, enabling them to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the improper sanitization of user-supplied input within the WordPress plugin environment. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from HTTP request data, creating an expanded attack surface where malicious input can directly influence the execution flow. The flaw occurs because the plugin fails to adequately validate or sanitize the wpPATH parameter before using it in file inclusion operations, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs that traverse directory structures and access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
This vulnerability operates under the broader category of insecure direct object reference and improper input validation, which aligns with CWE-22 directory traversal and CWE-20 improper input validation classifications. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through remote code execution. Attackers can leverage this weakness to include and execute arbitrary local files, potentially gaining administrative access to the WordPress installation or even the underlying server. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires only minimal user interaction to exploit, as the malicious input can be delivered through standard web requests without requiring special privileges or complex attack vectors.
The attack vector for CVE-2007-2482 follows the typical pattern of web application exploitation where an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing directory traversal sequences in the wpPATH parameter. This allows the attacker to bypass normal file access controls and access files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in environments where register_globals is enabled, as this configuration creates additional attack surfaces that make exploitation more likely. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 command and script injection and T1566 credential access techniques, as it can lead to both code execution and credential disclosure through file inclusion attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the wordTube plugin, as version 1.44 and later contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additionally, administrators should disable register_globals in their PHP configuration to reduce the attack surface, as this setting is considered deprecated and dangerous in modern PHP installations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional detection and prevention capabilities, though they should not be relied upon as the sole defense mechanism. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file inclusion patterns and directory traversal attempts in web server logs. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation practices, implementing proper parameter sanitization, and following secure coding guidelines to prevent similar issues in other applications and plugins. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses across the entire WordPress ecosystem.