CVE-2013-2744 in BackupBuddy
Summary
by MITRE
importbuddy.php in the BackupBuddy plugin 2.2.25 for WordPress allows remote attackers to obtain configuration information via a step 0 phpinfo action, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2744 resides within the BackupBuddy WordPress plugin version 2.2.25, specifically in the importbuddy.php file. This issue represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive system configuration details to remote attackers. The flaw manifests through a seemingly innocuous step 0 phpinfo action that directly invokes the phpinfo function, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to critical system information. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and insecure configuration practices within the plugin's administrative interface, where user-supplied parameters are not properly sanitized or restricted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the phpinfo function's inherent capability to display extensive server configuration details including php settings, loaded extensions, environment variables, and potentially sensitive information about the hosting environment. When an attacker accesses the importbuddy.php script with the step 0 parameter set to phpinfo, the function executes without proper authentication checks or access controls, thereby exposing detailed system information to any remote user who can reach the endpoint. This flaw aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper error handling or information disclosure mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where WordPress plugins are not properly secured or monitored.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering, as the disclosed phpinfo output can reveal critical system configurations that attackers can leverage for subsequent exploitation attempts. The exposed information may include database connection details, server paths, PHP configuration settings, and potentially sensitive environment variables that could aid in crafting more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploitation of information exposure vulnerabilities to gather system information for further attack planning. Attackers could use the disclosed information to identify potential weaknesses in the server configuration, locate other vulnerable components, or determine the appropriate attack vectors for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2744 should prioritize immediate patching of the BackupBuddy plugin to version 2.2.26 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent unauthorized access to the phpinfo function. Organizations should implement network-level access controls to restrict access to plugin administrative interfaces, particularly those containing potentially dangerous functions like phpinfo. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual access patterns to phpinfo endpoints, and regular security audits should verify that no unnecessary administrative functions remain exposed. Additionally, implementing proper authentication mechanisms and access controls for all plugin administrative interfaces aligns with security best practices and helps prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and access control implementation in web applications, particularly in plugin architectures where third-party code can introduce unexpected security risks.