CVE-2014-6446 in Infusionsoft Gravity Forms
Summary
by MITRE
The Infusionsoft Gravity Forms plugin 1.5.3 through 1.5.10 for WordPress does not properly restrict access, which allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary files and execute arbitrary PHP code via a request to utilities/code_generator.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6446 affects the Infusionsoft Gravity Forms plugin version 1.5.3 through 1.5.10 for WordPress platforms, representing a critical access control flaw that enables remote code execution. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication mechanisms within the plugin's code generation utility, specifically the utilities/code_generator.php endpoint. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass normal access restrictions and upload malicious files to the target system, creating a persistent backdoor for further exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a path traversal and file upload flaw that permits remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected WordPress installation. When an attacker sends a specially crafted request to the utilities/code_generator.php endpoint, the plugin fails to properly authenticate the requestor or validate the file upload process. This weakness falls under CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, both of which are categorized as critical security weaknesses in the CWE database. The vulnerability enables attackers to upload PHP shell files or other malicious code that can be executed within the context of the web server, providing them with unauthorized access to the compromised system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to WordPress installations using the affected plugin version, as it allows attackers to gain complete control over the web server. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and the ability to establish persistent access through uploaded backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy web shells, modify website content, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised server as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The attack vector for this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application technique, where adversaries target vulnerabilities in externally accessible applications to gain initial access. The affected plugin versions were widely distributed and used across numerous WordPress installations, amplifying the potential impact of this vulnerability. Organizations running these plugin versions faced significant risk of compromise, as the vulnerability could be exploited by automated scanning tools or manual attackers targeting known WordPress vulnerabilities. The exploitation process typically involves uploading a malicious PHP file through the vulnerable code generator utility, followed by executing the file through subsequent HTTP requests to the uploaded payload.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6446 include immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.5.11 or later, which addresses the access control flaw through proper authentication checks and file upload validation. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the vulnerable utilities/code_generator.php endpoint, particularly when the plugin is not actively being used. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file upload attempts, conducting regular security audits of installed plugins, and maintaining up-to-date vulnerability assessments of WordPress installations. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring for unusual file upload activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation, authentication mechanisms, and regular security updates in preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities in web applications.