CVE-2014-5324 in N-Media file uploader
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the N-Media file uploader plugin before 3.4 for WordPress allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code by leveraging Author privileges to store a file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The CVE-2014-5324 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the N-Media file uploader WordPress plugin affecting versions prior to 3.4. This vulnerability operates as an unrestricted file upload flaw that fundamentally compromises the integrity of WordPress installations by allowing authenticated attackers with minimal privileges to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the file upload functionality within the plugin, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security restrictions and deploy malicious payloads directly onto the web server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload mechanism. When authenticated users with author privileges attempt to upload files through the plugin interface, the system fails to properly verify file types or content, allowing attackers to upload PHP files that can be executed by the web server. This represents a classic path traversal and privilege escalation vulnerability where the attacker leverages legitimate user permissions to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses the risk of unrestricted file upload leading to arbitrary code execution, and demonstrates how insufficient validation of file uploads can create persistent security risks.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5324 extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious PHP code, they can establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, access sensitive data, and potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically has write access to the web root directory and can lead to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it accessible to users who might otherwise have limited access to the system. The attack vector operates through the standard WordPress user authentication system, making it difficult to detect and distinguish from legitimate user activity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5324 focus on immediate plugin updates to version 3.4 or later, which contain the necessary security patches to address the unrestricted file upload vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive file upload validation mechanisms that verify file types, content, and extensions against strict whitelists. Security measures should include restricting file upload capabilities for non-administrative users, implementing proper file type checking, and ensuring uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory. The remediation process must also include comprehensive security audits of all installed plugins and themes, as similar vulnerabilities may exist in other components of the WordPress ecosystem. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for PHP code execution and T1546.001 for persistence mechanisms, emphasizing the need for both immediate patching and long-term security monitoring to prevent exploitation.