CVE-2013-2743 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 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via a crafted integer in the step parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2743 affects the BackupBuddy WordPress plugin version 1.3.4, 2.1.4, 2.2.25, 2.2.28, and 2.2.4, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that could enable remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions. This vulnerability specifically resides within the importbuddy.php component of the plugin, which handles backup import operations and contains a flaw in how it processes the step parameter. The issue stems from improper input validation where the plugin fails to adequately sanitize or verify the integer value passed in the step parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the authentication flow. This weakness allows attackers to bypass the standard authentication mechanisms by crafting specific integer values that manipulate the plugin's internal logic, effectively granting them access to administrative functions without proper credentials. The vulnerability operates under the broader category of authentication bypass issues, which are classified as CWE-287 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, representing improper authentication vulnerabilities that can lead to unauthorized access to protected resources. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to WordPress installations using the affected BackupBuddy plugin versions, as it enables remote code execution capabilities once an attacker gains access to the administrative interface. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as the compromised system could allow attackers to modify or delete backup files, manipulate database content, or potentially install malicious plugins that could further compromise the entire WordPress environment. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and initial access techniques, where attackers can leverage the authentication bypass to establish a foothold within the system. The technical implementation of this flaw involves the plugin's failure to properly validate user input before proceeding with authentication checks, allowing an attacker to craft a malicious step parameter value that circumvents the intended access control flow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions of the plugin, suggesting a widespread exposure across various WordPress installations that have not yet updated to patched versions. Security researchers have noted that the integer manipulation technique used in this exploit demonstrates a classic example of input validation bypass, where the system fails to properly validate the data type and range of values expected in the parameter. Organizations using the affected plugin versions should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest plugin version, implementing additional access controls, and monitoring for suspicious activities in the backup and import operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and validation practices, as recommended in OWASP Top 10 security guidelines, particularly in the context of web application security. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability, while also ensuring that all WordPress installations maintain current security patches and updates to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The flaw represents a fundamental security weakness in how the plugin handles user-controllable parameters, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and validation of all input handling mechanisms within web applications.