CVE-2014-6230 in Wp Ban
Summary
by MITRE
WP-Ban plugin before 1.6.4 for WordPress, when running in certain configurations, allows remote attackers to bypass the IP blacklist via a crafted X-Forwarded-For header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2018
The WP-Ban plugin vulnerability CVE-2014-6230 represents a critical security flaw in WordPress plugin configurations that enables remote attackers to circumvent IP blacklist protections through manipulation of HTTP headers. This vulnerability specifically affects versions of the WP-Ban plugin prior to 1.6.4 and occurs when the plugin operates in environments where HTTP request routing involves proxy servers or load balancers that modify the X-Forwarded-For header. The issue stems from the plugin's improper validation of client IP addresses, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security measures designed to block specific IP addresses. When WordPress systems are deployed behind reverse proxies or content delivery networks, the X-Forwarded-For header typically contains the original client IP address that gets overwritten by the proxy server. The vulnerability arises because the WP-Ban plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize this header, allowing attackers to inject their own IP addresses into the header chain and effectively mask their true location.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting HTTP requests with manipulated X-Forwarded-For headers that contain the IP addresses of targets that have been blacklisted by the WP-Ban plugin. This allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to restricted resources or services that should be blocked by the IP blacklist. The flaw operates at the application layer and represents a classic example of insecure input validation, specifically categorized under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation." The vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers to perform various malicious activities including unauthorized access attempts, brute force attacks, or to bypass rate limiting mechanisms that rely on IP-based restrictions. The impact extends beyond simple access control bypass as it undermines the fundamental security posture of WordPress installations that depend on IP-based blacklisting for protection against known malicious actors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for WordPress administrators who rely on IP blacklisting as part of their security strategy. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no privileged access or complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to adversaries with basic knowledge of HTTP header manipulation. The vulnerability affects systems where the WP-Ban plugin is used in conjunction with proxy infrastructure, which is common in enterprise environments and cloud deployments. This creates a scenario where legitimate security controls become ineffective, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to WordPress installations. The impact is amplified in environments where the plugin is used to protect administrative interfaces or sensitive content areas, as the bypass can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to user data, modification of content, or potential full system takeover depending on the privileges of the compromised account.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6230 require immediate patching of the WP-Ban plugin to version 1.6.4 or later, which contains the necessary code fixes to properly validate IP addresses from HTTP headers. System administrators should also implement additional network-level controls such as configuring web application firewalls to properly handle X-Forwarded-For headers and ensure that only trusted proxy servers can modify these headers. The mitigation approach should include monitoring for suspicious header patterns and implementing proper logging of IP address validation attempts. Organizations should consider implementing multiple layers of security controls, as relying solely on IP-based blacklisting creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited through header manipulation. The solution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.002 for Phishing with Spoofed Delivery Address and emphasizes the importance of proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. Network segmentation and access control policies should be reviewed to ensure that even if one layer of protection is bypassed, other security controls remain effective. Regular security audits should include verification of plugin configurations and proper handling of HTTP headers to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through third-party components.