CVE-2007-6013 in Wordpress
Summary
by MITRE
Wordpress 1.5 through 2.3.1 uses cookie values based on the MD5 hash of a password MD5 hash, which allows attackers to bypass authentication by obtaining the MD5 hash from the user database, then generating the authentication cookie from that hash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6013 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in WordPress versions ranging from 1.5 through 2.3.1. This weakness stems from the application's reliance on MD5 hash values for cookie generation, creating a predictable authentication mechanism that adversaries can exploit. The flaw fundamentally undermines the security model of the platform by allowing unauthorized access through the manipulation of authentication cookies. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, specifically targeting weak session management and credential handling practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when WordPress generates authentication cookies for user sessions. The system creates these cookies using a deterministic process that incorporates the MD5 hash of user passwords, rather than employing cryptographically secure random values or time-based tokens. When an attacker gains access to the user database through SQL injection, directory traversal, or other means, they can extract the MD5 hash values stored for user accounts. These hashes are then processed through the same deterministic algorithm used by WordPress to generate authentication cookies, resulting in valid session tokens that grant immediate access to user accounts without requiring knowledge of the actual passwords.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, privilege escalation, and complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain administrative access to WordPress installations, enabling them to modify content, install malicious plugins, alter user permissions, and potentially use the compromised system as a foothold for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects all versions within the specified range, making it particularly dangerous as many legacy systems may still operate on these outdated versions. This authentication bypass represents a classic example of how predictable cryptographic implementations can create security holes that undermine the entire authentication framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6013 require immediate version upgrades to WordPress 2.3.2 or later, which addressed the vulnerability through improved cookie generation mechanisms and stronger session management. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all WordPress installations are updated promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper database access controls, employing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing weak authentication mechanisms and improper error handling. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious authentication activities can help detect exploitation attempts, while implementing multi-factor authentication provides additional protection layers against credential-based attacks. This vulnerability serves as a historical example of why cryptographic implementations must follow established security standards and why legacy systems require regular security updates to address known weaknesses.