CVE-2014-10384 in memphis-documents-library Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The memphis-documents-library plugin before 3.0 for WordPress has Local File Inclusion.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The memphis-documents-library plugin for WordPress versions prior to 3.0 contains a critical local file inclusion vulnerability that allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files on the target system. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's file handling mechanisms, specifically in how it processes user-supplied parameters that are used to determine which files to include or access. The flaw exists in the plugin's implementation of file operations where it directly incorporates user-controllable input into file inclusion functions without proper validation or filtering. This creates an attack vector where malicious actors can manipulate the plugin's behavior to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem or even execute malicious code, depending on the server configuration and file permissions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a pattern where attackers can manipulate the plugin's parameters to traverse the filesystem and include files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is classified as a local file inclusion issue under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. Attackers typically leverage this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or similar patterns to navigate the filesystem and access sensitive files like configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources. The vulnerability can be exploited through various methods including direct parameter manipulation, URL rewriting, or by leveraging other vulnerabilities in the WordPress ecosystem to gain initial access before exploiting this specific weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive data including database connection strings, user credentials, and other confidential information stored on the server. The vulnerability also allows for potential code execution if the included files are writable or if the server configuration permits script execution in the targeted directories. This could lead to full system compromise where attackers can establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The impact is particularly severe in shared hosting environments where multiple WordPress installations exist, as a single compromised plugin could potentially affect other sites hosted on the same server. According to the attack tactics framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK matrix under initial access and privilege escalation phases, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the memphis-documents-library plugin to version 3.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the file inclusion flaw. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before being used in file operations. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file inclusion attempts, restricting file permissions on sensitive system files, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins and themes. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls, ensuring that web server processes run with minimal required permissions to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping all software components updated and maintaining comprehensive security monitoring to detect and respond to exploitation attempts in a timely manner.