CVE-2014-3114 in EZPZ One Click Backup Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The EZPZ One Click Backup (ezpz-one-click-backup) plugin 12.03.10 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the cmd parameter to functions/ezpz-archive-cmd.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2020
The EZPZ One Click Backup plugin for WordPress represents a critical security vulnerability that exposes WordPress installations to remote command execution attacks. This vulnerability affects versions 12.03.10 and earlier, making it a significant concern for WordPress administrators who rely on backup functionality for their sites. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user input in the functions/ezpz-archive-cmd.php file, where the cmd parameter is processed without proper sanitization or validation. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that are then executed on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, a well-known weakness that enables command injection attacks. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk landscape where attackers can potentially gain complete control over affected WordPress installations, leading to data exfiltration, site defacement, or even use of compromised systems as part of botnet operations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns. The impact extends beyond individual site compromise, as compromised WordPress installations often serve as stepping stones for broader network infiltration activities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and T1078.004, which addresses valid accounts usage, as attackers can leverage the compromised web server to execute malicious commands. The lack of input validation in the cmd parameter processing creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the backup functionality into executing malicious payloads, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Organizations using affected versions of this plugin should immediately implement mitigations including plugin updates, input validation restrictions, and network-level protections to prevent exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within the ezpz-archive-cmd.php file. When the cmd parameter is passed to the backup functions, the plugin fails to sanitize or validate the input before executing system commands. This creates a classic command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled input is concatenated directly into system execution calls without proper escaping or filtering. The vulnerability exists at the application layer and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation practices within WordPress plugin development. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious payloads that leverage the backup functionality to execute arbitrary shell commands on the hosting server. The affected plugin's architecture appears to have been designed without proper security considerations for handling user input that could be used to manipulate system-level operations. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in web hosting environments where WordPress installations often share resources and where a compromised site can potentially affect other applications or users on the same server. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that backup plugins typically require elevated privileges to function properly, meaning successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to sensitive data and system control. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability classifies under CWE-78 and CWE-89, representing command injection and SQL injection respectively, although the primary concern here is the command execution aspect. The lack of proper access controls or authentication checks within the plugin's backup functions further compounds the risk, as the functionality is accessible to unauthenticated users who can trigger the vulnerable code path through direct URL manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most critical step involves updating to the latest version of the EZPZ One Click Backup plugin where the vulnerability has been patched. Administrators should also implement input validation measures at the web server level, including restricting access to the vulnerable php file through .htaccess rules or similar mechanisms. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense by detecting and blocking malicious command injection attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in WordPress plugin development, particularly around input validation and output encoding. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins or components that may exhibit similar flaws. Implementing proper monitoring and logging of backup operations can help detect suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The incident underscores the necessity of adhering to security best practices such as the principle of least privilege, where backup functionality should only be accessible to authorized users with proper authentication and authorization. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning of WordPress installations are essential to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by threat actors. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of keeping all WordPress components updated, as outdated plugins represent common attack vectors for compromising entire web applications. Organizations should establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to WordPress security incidents, including rapid patch deployment and system restoration capabilities. Additionally, implementing proper backup strategies that include offline backups and regular testing of restore procedures ensures that organizations can recover quickly from exploitation attempts while maintaining data integrity and availability.