CVE-2014-5368 in WP Content Source Control
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the file_get_contents function in downloadfiles/download.php in the WP Content Source Control (wp-source-control) plugin 3.0.0 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The CVE-2014-5368 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the WP Content Source Control plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions 3.0.0 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the file_get_contents function implementation within the downloadfiles/download.php component, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit the system by manipulating the path parameter through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences, effectively bypassing normal file access controls and enabling unauthorized file retrieval from the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's file handling mechanism. When the downloadfiles/download.php script processes user-supplied path parameters, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before passing it to the file_get_contents function. This omission creates a direct path traversal attack vector where an attacker can construct malicious file paths using directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive files that may contain database credentials, configuration settings, user information, or other confidential data stored on the web server. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read WordPress core files, plugin files, theme files, or even system configuration files that might contain administrative credentials or other sensitive information. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation does not require local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible WordPress installations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically the use of malicious file downloads to gain initial access or escalate privileges within a target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5368 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the directory traversal vulnerability, as the original affected versions are no longer supported or maintained. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied path parameters are strictly validated against a whitelist of allowed directories or that appropriate path normalization is performed before file operations. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls with rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns, restricting file access permissions on sensitive directories, and conducting regular security audits of installed WordPress plugins to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and principle of least privilege when developing web applications and plugins.