CVE-2013-0724 in Wp-ecommerce-shop-styling
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/generate-pdf.php in the WP ecommerce Shop Styling plugin for WordPress before 1.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dompdf parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0724 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the WP ecommerce Shop Styling plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.8 and resides in the includes/generate-pdf.php file, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise WordPress installations. The flaw enables remote code execution through manipulation of the dompdf parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, aligning with CWE-20 and CWE-94 categories that address improper input validation and code injection respectively.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the dompdf parameter to the vulnerable generate-pdf.php script. The plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it to include external files, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary URLs that may contain malicious PHP code. This creates a dangerous scenario where the web server executes code from external sources without proper authorization or verification. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in parameter handling and file inclusion mechanisms, where input from untrusted sources is directly incorporated into file operations without adequate sanitization or validation checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected WordPress installation. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, modify existing content, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access through backdoor installations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress plugins often have elevated privileges and access to database connections, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for website owners. This vulnerability also enables attackers to leverage the compromised system as a staging ground for further attacks against internal networks or as a platform for distributing malware to visitors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0724 should focus on immediate plugin updates to version 1.8 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, particularly for parameters that influence file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion operations to trusted sources only, and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter values. Additionally, regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with security monitoring systems in place to detect unauthorized file access patterns or unusual code execution attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures.