CVE-2013-2640 in Wp-mailup
Summary
by MITRE
ajax.functions.php in the MailUp plugin before 1.3.2 for WordPress does not properly restrict access to unspecified Ajax functions, which allows remote attackers to modify plugin settings and conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via unspecified vectors related to "formData=save" requests, a different version than CVE-2013-0731.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2640 affects the MailUp plugin for WordPress prior to version 1.3.2, specifically targeting the ajax.functions.php file. This issue represents a critical access control flaw that enables unauthorized remote attackers to manipulate plugin functionality through improperly restricted Ajax endpoints. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user permissions and input sanitization within the plugin's Ajax handling mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's administrative interfaces.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper restriction of access to unspecified Ajax functions within the MailUp plugin's ajax.functions.php component. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting specially formatted requests that target the "formData=save" functionality, which should typically require administrative privileges to access. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution within the context of the affected WordPress installation, potentially enabling full compromise of the web application. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and represents a classic example of insufficient authorization checks in web applications. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include cross-site scripting capabilities, making it particularly dangerous for attackers seeking to persist within compromised systems.
Operational impact of CVE-2013-2640 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to modify plugin settings and execute malicious payloads through legitimate Ajax interfaces. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate email marketing configurations, potentially leading to data exfiltration, spam distribution, or further system compromise. Given that WordPress plugins often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive data, this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface that can be leveraged for broader exploitation campaigns. The cross-site scripting component adds another dimension of risk, as it can be used to hijack user sessions or deliver additional malicious payloads to unsuspecting website visitors. This vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and control through scripting and T1566.001 for credential access through social engineering, as attackers can use the compromised plugin to establish persistence and escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2640 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.3.2 or later, which contains the necessary access control patches. System administrators should implement additional security measures including input validation, output encoding, and proper access control mechanisms within the WordPress installation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious Ajax requests targeting vulnerable endpoints. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to Ajax functionality and permission handling. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper security testing for web applications, particularly in the context of WordPress plugin security where third-party components can significantly expand attack surfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual Ajax activity patterns, which may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should ensure that all WordPress installations maintain current versions of core software and plugins, as this vulnerability demonstrates how outdated components can provide attackers with persistent access paths to compromise entire web infrastructures.