CVE-2014-2558 in File-gallery
Summary
by MITRE
The File Gallery plugin before 1.7.9.2 for WordPress does not properly escape strings, which allows remote administrators to execute arbitrary PHP code via a \ (backslash quote) in the setting fields to /wp-admin/options-media.php, related to the create_function function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2558 affects the File Gallery plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 1.7.9.2, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper input sanitization. This issue resides within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data in the media settings interface at /wp-admin/options-media.php, where administrators can configure various file management parameters. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly escape or sanitize string inputs before processing them through the create_function PHP construct, which creates a function dynamically from a string. This creates a dangerous attack surface where malicious input can be interpreted as executable PHP code rather than mere data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker with administrator privileges manipulates the plugin's settings by inserting a backslash-quoted character sequence into the affected input fields. The create_function PHP function accepts a string containing PHP code and executes it dynamically, making it particularly dangerous when combined with unsanitized user input. When the malicious string is processed through this function, it bypasses normal security restrictions and allows arbitrary PHP code execution on the target server. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that leverages the dynamic code execution capabilities of PHP's create_function feature, which was deprecated in PHP 7.2 and removed in PHP 8.0 due to similar security concerns.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2558 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that an attacker with administrator credentials can execute commands without requiring additional authentication or exploitation vectors. This flaw directly relates to CWE-94, which describes the execution of arbitrary code or commands, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques for code injection and privilege escalation. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation and output escaping practices that violate fundamental security principles for web application development, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 categories related to injection flaws and insecure configuration management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2558 primarily involve immediate plugin updates to version 1.7.9.2 or later, which contain proper input sanitization and escaping mechanisms. Administrators should also implement strict access controls and regularly audit plugin installations to ensure all software remains current with security patches. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious administrative activities, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments of WordPress installations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the dangerous nature of dynamic code execution functions like create_function, which should be avoided in favor of safer alternatives such as closures or direct function calls. Security practitioners should also consider implementing principle of least privilege models and regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other components of the WordPress ecosystem.