CVE-2008-6767 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
wp-admin/upgrade.php in WordPress, probably 2.6.x, allows remote attackers to upgrade the application, and possibly cause a denial of service (application outage), via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6767 represents a critical security flaw in WordPress core functionality that enables unauthorized remote code execution through direct manipulation of the upgrade process. This issue specifically affects the wp-admin/upgrade.php script within WordPress version 2.6.x, where the application fails to properly validate incoming requests, creating an avenue for attackers to initiate unauthorized upgrades. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and input validation mechanisms that allow malicious actors to bypass normal authentication procedures and directly invoke the upgrade functionality. The flaw exists in the administrative interface design where the upgrade process lacks proper authorization checks, making it accessible to any remote user without proper credentials or privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends a direct HTTP request to the wp-admin/upgrade.php endpoint, which triggers the WordPress upgrade mechanism without proper verification of the requester's authorization status. This allows the attacker to execute upgrade procedures that could potentially modify critical application files, install malicious code, or disrupt normal service operations. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, specifically focusing on insufficient authorization checks within administrative functions. The lack of proper authentication verification in this administrative script creates a privilege escalation path that could lead to complete system compromise, as the upgrade process typically requires elevated privileges to modify core application components.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations, particularly in environments where administrative access is not properly secured or where legacy versions remain unpatched. The potential impact includes complete service disruption through denial of service conditions, where the upgrade process could corrupt critical application files, rendering the website inaccessible to legitimate users. Additionally, the vulnerability could enable attackers to install backdoors, modify core functionality, or inject malicious code into the WordPress installation. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, as it only involves sending a direct request to a specific endpoint without complex attack chains. This makes the vulnerability attractive to automated attack tools and less sophisticated threat actors who can leverage it for unauthorized system compromise.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected WordPress installations to the latest available versions that contain proper access control mechanisms. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions that limit direct access to administrative endpoints, particularly wp-admin/upgrade.php, through firewall rules or web application firewalls. The implementation of proper authentication controls and session management should be enforced to ensure that only authorized administrators can access upgrade functionality. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that administrative interfaces are properly secured and that access controls are functioning as intended. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust access control measures, as it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses valid accounts and legitimate credentials for system access. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to administrative endpoints and generate alerts for security operations teams to investigate potential exploitation attempts.