CVE-2009-4170 in WP-Cumulus
Summary
by MITRE
WP-Cumulus Plug-in 1.20 for WordPress, and possibly other versions, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted request to wp-cumulus.php, probably without parameters, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4170 affects the WP-Cumulus plug-in version 1.20 for WordPress, presenting a significant information disclosure risk that can be exploited by remote attackers. This flaw exists within the wp-cumulus.php file and demonstrates how poorly handled error messages can expose critical system information to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the plug-in processes crafted requests without requiring any parameters, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through simple web requests. The disclosed installation path information represents a fundamental security risk that can be leveraged by attackers to gain insights into the target system's configuration and structure. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category, which encompasses issues related to information exposure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information through path traversal and error message analysis.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the WP-Cumulus plug-in's wp-cumulus.php script. When processing requests, the plug-in fails to properly sanitize or validate input parameters, leading to the generation of error messages that inadvertently reveal the full server path where WordPress is installed. This occurs because the plug-in does not implement proper exception handling or error suppression mechanisms, allowing internal system details to leak through error responses. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or privileged access to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the affected WordPress installation. The lack of parameter validation means that even a simple HTTP request can trigger the information disclosure, demonstrating a fundamental flaw in the plug-in's security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as critical intelligence for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks. Once an attacker knows the exact location of the WordPress installation, they can better tailor subsequent exploitation attempts, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities that might exist in the system or planning attacks that leverage the specific directory structure. The exposed paths can also reveal the operating system type, file permissions, and overall server configuration, which can be used to narrow down attack vectors and increase the effectiveness of further exploitation attempts. This vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a roadmap of the target system, making it significantly easier for them to conduct reconnaissance and plan more targeted attacks against the affected WordPress installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4170 should prioritize immediate remediation through the upgrade of the WP-Cumulus plug-in to a version that properly handles error messages and does not disclose installation paths. System administrators should implement proper input validation and error handling mechanisms to prevent sensitive information from being exposed in error responses. Additionally, web application firewalls and security monitoring tools can be configured to detect and block requests that attempt to trigger information disclosure vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping all WordPress plugins and themes up to date, as outdated components often contain known vulnerabilities that can be easily exploited. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments and implement proper error handling practices that align with security best practices to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of their web applications. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling in preventing information disclosure attacks that can compromise entire systems.