CVE-2010-4403 in register-plus
Summary
by MITRE
The Register Plus plugin 3.5.1 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to (1) dash_widget.php and (2) register-plus.php, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4403 affects the Register Plus plugin version 3.5.1 and earlier within the WordPress ecosystem, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes system paths to remote attackers. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of direct HTTP requests to specific PHP files, namely dash_widget.php and register-plus.php, which are designed to provide administrative dashboard functionality and user registration features respectively. The flaw manifests when these files are accessed directly without proper authentication or input validation, resulting in error messages that inadvertently reveal the absolute installation path of the WordPress instance on the server filesystem. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes weaknesses related to information exposure, and represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with crucial system metadata that can be leveraged in subsequent attack phases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper error handling within the plugin's code structure. When unauthorized users access the vulnerable endpoints, the application fails to properly authenticate the requestor and instead processes the request, leading to the generation of error messages that contain the full server path where WordPress is installed. This path disclosure occurs because the plugin's code does not implement proper access controls or sanitization mechanisms before processing requests to these specific files. The vulnerability essentially creates an attack vector where malicious actors can bypass normal authentication procedures and obtain sensitive system information through simple HTTP requests. From an operational perspective, this flaw enables attackers to gather reconnaissance data that can be used for privilege escalation attacks, as the installation path often reveals the underlying server architecture and can help identify potential additional vulnerabilities in the hosting environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4403 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as foundational intelligence for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can use this information to craft targeted exploits that leverage the specific server configuration, potentially leading to privilege escalation, remote code execution, or further system compromise. The vulnerability particularly affects WordPress installations that rely on the Register Plus plugin, making it a significant concern for website administrators who have not updated to patched versions. This type of attack aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering phase, where adversaries collect system information to plan subsequent operations. The exposure of system paths also increases the risk of path traversal attacks and can provide insights into the server's operating system and file structure, which can be exploited in combination with other vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected website administrators, including updating to the patched version of the Register Plus plugin or implementing temporary workarounds such as restricting direct access to vulnerable files through server configuration modifications. The most effective approach involves applying the vendor-provided security patch that addresses the improper error handling and adds proper authentication checks to the affected endpoints. Network administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual access patterns to these specific files and consider implementing web application firewalls that can block direct requests to known vulnerable endpoints. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins or components within their WordPress installations, as similar vulnerabilities may exist in other third-party components. The remediation process should include disabling or removing the vulnerable plugin if no patch is available, and implementing proper access controls that prevent unauthorized users from accessing administrative functions directly through URL parameters. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be performed to ensure that all WordPress plugins and themes remain up-to-date with the latest security patches, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current software versions to protect against known exploits.