CVE-2014-4940 in tera-charts
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Tera Charts (tera-charts) plugin 0.1 for WordPress allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the fn parameter to (1) charts/treemap.php or (2) charts/zoomabletreemap.php.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2014-4940 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Tera Charts WordPress plugin version 0.1, exposing systems to unauthorized file access through carefully crafted malicious requests. This vulnerability specifically affects two endpoints within the plugin's charting functionality, namely charts/treemap.php and charts/zoomabletreemap.php, where the fn parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an exploitable pathway for remote attackers to navigate the file system beyond intended boundaries. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that permit the exploitation of directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, allowing attackers to access files outside the plugin's designated directories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through the manipulation of the fn parameter in the affected PHP scripts, where the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into file system operations without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker submits a request containing directory traversal sequences in the fn parameter, the application processes these inputs without adequate boundary checks, resulting in the execution of file access operations that can retrieve sensitive files from the server's file system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 technique for discovering files and directories, where adversaries seek to enumerate system resources to identify potentially sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information including configuration files, database credentials, user data, and other confidential resources stored on the web server. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract WordPress configuration files containing database connection details, plugin-specific settings, or even access to administrative interfaces that could lead to full system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed from any network location. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations running the vulnerable Tera Charts plugin version 0.1, creating a persistent risk for all affected systems regardless of their network configuration or security measures in place. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper file system access controls in web applications, as it allows attackers to bypass normal access restrictions through simple parameter manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the Tera Charts plugin or removing the vulnerable plugin entirely from affected WordPress installations. System administrators should also implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing, particularly for file system operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth by monitoring for suspicious directory traversal patterns in incoming requests. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of implementing principle of least privilege access controls for web applications, ensuring that PHP scripts have minimal required file system permissions and that directory traversal attempts are properly rejected. Regular security auditing of installed plugins and themes, along with maintaining updated security practices, including the use of security scanners and vulnerability assessment tools, can help identify similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across their WordPress environments.