CVE-2013-1949 in social-media-widget
Summary
by MITRE
Social Media Widget (social-media-widget) plugin 4.0 for WordPress contains an externally introduced modification (Trojan Horse), which allows remote attackers to force the upload of arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2019
The CVE-2013-1949 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Social Media Widget WordPress plugin version 4.0, where the software contains an externally introduced modification that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary file uploads. This vulnerability falls under the category of Trojan Horse attacks, where malicious code is disguised as legitimate software components. The issue demonstrates how third-party plugins can introduce dangerous modifications that compromise the entire WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to bypass normal upload restrictions and potentially gain unauthorized access to the web server hosting the WordPress installation. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities that allow attackers to upload and execute malicious files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the plugin's file upload functionality, which fails to properly validate file types and contents before allowing uploads to proceed. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious files that appear to be legitimate media uploads but actually contain executable code or malicious payloads. The vulnerability exists because the plugin does not implement proper input sanitization, file type checking, or content validation mechanisms that would normally prevent dangerous file extensions from being processed. This flaw creates an attack surface where remote threat actors can upload malicious files such as php scripts, shell scripts, or other executable content that can be executed on the web server. The weakness is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer, allowing attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain full control over the compromised WordPress installation.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1949 extends far beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for complete system compromise. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious files, they can execute arbitrary code on the web server, potentially leading to data theft, service disruption, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects any WordPress installation running the affected plugin version, making it a widespread concern for website administrators and security professionals. Organizations using this plugin are at risk of having their websites defaced, compromised, or turned into command and control servers for further attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), which describe how attackers can leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code and maintain persistence.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected organizations to address the root cause of the issue. The primary recommendation is to update the Social Media Widget plugin to a version that has been patched to address the Trojan Horse modification. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting file upload capabilities, implementing proper file type validation, and monitoring upload directories for suspicious activity. Network security controls including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security audits of all installed plugins and themes to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include not only patching the specific vulnerability but also implementing broader security practices such as regular security updates, proper access controls, and comprehensive monitoring of system activities. Additionally, security professionals should consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through third-party components.