CVE-2014-3849 in iMember360
Summary
by MITRE
The iMember360 plugin 3.8.012 through 3.9.001 for WordPress does not properly restrict access, which allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary users via a request containing a user name in the Email parameter and the API key in the i4w_clearuser parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3849 affects the iMember360 plugin version 3.8.012 through 3.9.001 running on WordPress platforms. This represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of affected websites by permitting unauthorized deletion of user accounts. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication checks within the plugin's user management functionality, creating a path for malicious actors to exploit without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific parameter manipulation attack vector where remote attackers can craft malicious requests containing a target username in the Email parameter and an API key in the i4w_clearuser parameter. This design flaw allows attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and execute user deletion operations against arbitrary accounts. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the plugin's administrative functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect legitimate user accounts and potentially disrupt service availability.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for WordPress sites using the affected iMember360 plugin versions. Attackers can leverage this flaw to remove user accounts from the system, potentially causing denial of service for legitimate users, disrupting membership services, and undermining user trust. The impact extends beyond simple account deletion as it can lead to data loss, service disruption, and potential compromise of user credentials that may have been associated with the deleted accounts. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software applications.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is relatively narrow but impactful, requiring only knowledge of the target WordPress site's configuration and access to the specific API endpoint. However, the low barrier to exploitation makes it particularly dangerous in environments where API keys might be exposed or where attackers can observe legitimate API usage patterns. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK technique T1531, which covers "Account Access Removal" and describes how adversaries can delete or disable accounts to maintain access or disrupt operations. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078, which covers legitimate credentials usage, as attackers can exploit valid API keys to perform unauthorized actions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the access control flaw, implementation of proper API key rotation and access controls, and deployment of web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious parameter combinations. Organizations should also conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins and ensure that all administrative interfaces properly validate user permissions and inputs. Additionally, implementing rate limiting and monitoring for unusual user deletion patterns can help detect and respond to exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web applications, as outlined in industry best practices for secure software development and the OWASP Top Ten security risks.