CVE-2012-10016 in simple-download-button-shortcode Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in Halulu simple-download-button-shortcode Plugin 1.0 on WordPress. Affected is an unknown function of the file simple-download-button_dl.php of the component Download Handler. The manipulation of the argument file leads to information disclosure. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. Upgrading to version 1.1 is able to address this issue. The patch is identified as e648a8706818297cf02a665ae0bae1c069dea5f1. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. VDB-242190 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2023
This vulnerability exists within the Halulu simple-download-button-shortcode WordPress plugin version 1.0, specifically in the download handler functionality. The issue stems from improper input validation within the simple-download-button_dl.php file where the file argument parameter is not adequately sanitized before being processed. This allows an attacker to manipulate the file parameter to access unauthorized files on the server, potentially leading to information disclosure of sensitive data. The vulnerability is classified as remotely exploitable, meaning attackers can initiate the attack without requiring physical access to the system or direct user interaction.
The technical flaw represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that falls under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The attack vector occurs when the plugin's download handler processes user-supplied file paths without proper validation or sanitization, allowing malicious actors to navigate through the file system hierarchy. The vulnerability affects the plugin's ability to properly restrict file access, enabling unauthorized retrieval of files that should remain protected. This type of information disclosure can potentially expose configuration files, database credentials, user data, or other sensitive system information that could be leveraged for further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to potentially sensitive information stored on the WordPress server. Remote exploitation capabilities mean that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or user interaction. This vulnerability could lead to data breaches, credential exposure, or serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The information disclosure could include not only plugin-specific files but potentially system configuration data, user information, or other sensitive resources that could compromise the overall security posture of the affected WordPress installation.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading the affected plugin to version 1.1, which includes the patch identified by the commit hash e648a8706818297cf02a665ae0bae1c069dea5f1. This upgrade addresses the core issue by implementing proper input validation and sanitization for the file parameter within the download handler functionality. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as monitoring for unusual file access patterns, restricting file permissions on the WordPress installation, and ensuring all plugins are regularly updated to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1213 for data from information repositories. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their WordPress environments.