CVE-2013-2742 in BackupBuddy
Summary
by MITRE
importbuddy.php in the BackupBuddy plugin 1.3.4, 2.1.4, 2.2.25, 2.2.28, and 2.2.4 for WordPress does not reliably delete itself after completing a restore operation, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via subsequent requests to this script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2742 resides within the BackupBuddy WordPress plugin ecosystem, specifically targeting versions 1.3.4, 2.1.4, 2.2.25, 2.2.28, and 2.2.4. This issue represents a critical security flaw in the plugin's restoration process where the importbuddy.php script fails to properly self-delete following completion of a restore operation. The persistence of this script creates an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage for unauthorized access to WordPress installations. The vulnerability operates under the principle of insecure temporary file handling and improper resource cleanup, which aligns with CWE-225, specifically focusing on insufficient cleanup of temporary files or resources after use.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the backup plugin's failure to execute proper cleanup procedures during the restore workflow. When a restore operation completes successfully, the importbuddy.php script should automatically remove itself from the filesystem to prevent unauthorized access. However, due to flawed logic in the plugin's code, this cleanup process does not occur reliably, leaving the script accessible to remote attackers who can subsequently make requests to this endpoint. This creates a persistent backdoor mechanism that attackers can exploit repeatedly, as the script remains available for execution until manually removed or the server restarts. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue under the ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing with Malicious Attachments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within compromised WordPress environments. Once an attacker identifies and accesses the lingering importbuddy.php script, they can execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations that utilize the BackupBuddy plugin, making it particularly concerning given the plugin's widespread adoption across the WordPress ecosystem. Attackers can leverage this persistent access to perform data exfiltration, install additional malware, or establish further persistence mechanisms within the compromised environment. The attack surface is significantly expanded because the vulnerability does not require elevated privileges to exploit, as the script remains accessible through normal web requests without authentication requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2742 must address both immediate remediation and long-term prevention measures. Organizations should immediately update their BackupBuddy plugin to versions that properly implement the self-deletion mechanism, typically those released after the vulnerability disclosure. Manual cleanup procedures should be performed by removing any lingering importbuddy.php files from affected WordPress installations, particularly in the wp-content directory where such temporary scripts are commonly stored. Network-level protections should include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block access attempts to known vulnerable endpoints, while also monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Security administrators should also consider implementing automated scanning tools that can identify and alert on the presence of such temporary files, as this vulnerability can persist across multiple restore operations. The remediation process should also include verifying that proper file permissions are enforced on WordPress directories to prevent unauthorized script execution, with the principle of least privilege being strictly applied to all web-accessible files and directories.