CVE-2008-0664 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
The XML-RPC implementation (xmlrpc.php) in WordPress before 2.3.3, when registration is enabled, allows remote attackers to edit posts of other blog users via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0664 represents a critical access control flaw within the WordPress content management system that existed prior to version 2.3.3. This issue specifically affects the XML-RPC implementation located in the xmlrpc.php file and becomes particularly dangerous when user registration is enabled on the blog. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate posts belonging to other users without proper authorization, fundamentally undermining the security model of multi-user blogging platforms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication and authorization checks within the XML-RPC interface. When registration is enabled, WordPress allows external systems to interact with the blog through XML-RPC protocols, which should normally require proper user credentials and permissions. However, the flaw in the implementation permits attackers to exploit unknown vectors that bypass normal access controls, allowing them to edit content belonging to other registered users. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate input validation and session management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple content modification, as it provides attackers with the ability to compromise the integrity of blog content and potentially spread malicious payloads through manipulated posts. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deface websites, inject malware, or manipulate public information, which would have significant consequences for blog owners and their audiences. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and requires no local access or elevated privileges to exploit, making it highly accessible to remote threat actors.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control in software systems, and demonstrates how weak authentication mechanisms can lead to unauthorized access to resources. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this represents a privilege escalation technique that falls under the category of "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and could potentially be used as a stepping stone for further attacks within compromised environments. The flaw also connects to CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization, highlighting the importance of implementing robust access control measures in web applications.
Organizations and individuals using vulnerable WordPress installations should immediately upgrade to version 2.3.3 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should review their XML-RPC configuration and consider disabling it entirely if it is not required for their specific use case. The mitigation strategy should include implementing proper network segmentation, monitoring for unusual XML-RPC activity, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all WordPress installations. Regular security audits of web applications should also include checks for similar access control vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.