CVE-2014-5181 in lastfm-rotation Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in lastfm-proxy.php in the Last.fm Rotation (lastfm-rotation) plugin 1.0 for WordPress allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the snode parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5181 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Last.fm Rotation WordPress plugin version 1.0. This security weakness resides in the lastfm-proxy.php script which processes user input through the snode parameter without proper validation or sanitization. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to manipulate file paths and access sensitive system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to implement adequate input filtering mechanisms, enabling attackers to exploit the relative path traversal technique using the .. (dot dot) sequence to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. This flaw specifically affects WordPress installations running the vulnerable plugin version, creating an attack surface that could expose confidential data including configuration files, user credentials, and other system resources. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a well-documented weakness in web application security where applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that is used in file system operations. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication or privileged access, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to WordPress installations. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through the retrieval of database credentials, plugin configuration files, and potentially other sensitive artifacts that could facilitate further attacks within the compromised environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal attack pattern where the snode parameter in lastfm-proxy.php is directly incorporated into file system operations without proper validation. When an attacker supplies a malicious snode value containing .. sequences, the application processes these paths without restricting access to directories outside the intended scope. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and input validation that are essential for preventing unauthorized file access. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the file system access controls implemented by the WordPress plugin architecture. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access various system files including but not limited to wp-config.php containing database credentials, other plugin files, and potentially user data stored within the WordPress environment. The attack requires minimal technical expertise to execute and can be automated through various penetration testing tools or exploit frameworks that target known directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's proxy functionality which is designed to handle external API requests but fails to properly validate the input parameters that determine the file paths for processing. This oversight creates a persistent security risk that remains active as long as the vulnerable plugin version is installed on WordPress systems. The issue is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring any special privileges or authentication tokens, making it a prime candidate for mass exploitation campaigns targeting vulnerable WordPress installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5181 must focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates and implementation of proper input validation mechanisms. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the Last.fm Rotation plugin where the directory traversal vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and validation. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions and web application firewalls to prevent exploitation attempts targeting the vulnerable endpoint. Additional defensive measures include restricting file system permissions for WordPress installations, implementing proper access controls for plugin directories, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The mitigation approach should align with ATT&CK framework tactic TA0005 (Defense Evasion) and technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) where appropriate defensive measures are implemented to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current plugin versions and implementing robust security practices for WordPress installations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential directory traversal vulnerabilities within the WordPress ecosystem. Furthermore, developers should follow secure coding practices including input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling to prevent similar issues in future implementations. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patched version functions correctly without introducing new security weaknesses or breaking existing functionality. System administrators should also consider implementing automated patch management solutions to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all WordPress installations and prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unpatched for extended periods.