CVE-2007-2483 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in js/wptable-button.php in the wp-Table 1.43 and earlier plugin for WordPress, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via the wpPATH parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2483 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the wp-Table plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness exists in versions 1.43 and earlier, specifically exploiting the insecure handling of user input when the register_globals PHP configuration setting is enabled. The vulnerability manifests through the wpPATH parameter in the js/wptable-button.php file, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms and execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the dangerous combination of register_globals being enabled and improper input validation within the plugin's file inclusion logic. When register_globals is active, user-supplied parameters can be automatically converted into global variables, bypassing normal input sanitization checks. Attackers can manipulate the wpPATH parameter to traverse directory structures and include local files that should remain inaccessible. This directory traversal capability allows adversaries to potentially access sensitive system files, execute malicious code, or escalate their privileges within the compromised WordPress environment.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations running vulnerable versions of the wp-Table plugin. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to complete compromise of the web server. The vulnerability affects not just individual WordPress sites but could be exploited at scale if multiple installations use the same vulnerable plugin version. Organizations with multiple WordPress deployments may face widespread exposure, particularly those with legacy systems where register_globals remains enabled for backward compatibility reasons.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This weakness falls under the broader category of file inclusion vulnerabilities and is closely related to the ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for "Unsecured Credentials" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" when considering the potential for command execution. The attack vector specifically maps to the T1190 technique for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" as it targets a plugin component that is publicly accessible through the web interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the wp-Table plugin, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases. Organizations should also disable register_globals in their PHP configurations, as this setting fundamentally undermines security controls and creates numerous attack surfaces. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the application code can prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation approach. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses across all web applications and plugins in use.