CVE-2014-9014 in WP Marketplace Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the ajaxinit function in wpmarketplace/libs/cart.php in the WP Marketplace plugin before 2.4.1 for WordPress allows remote authenticated users to download arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9014 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the WP Marketplace plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness resides in the ajaxinit function located in the wpmarketplace/libs/cart.php file, affecting versions prior to 2.4.1. The vulnerability specifically targets authenticated users who can leverage this flaw to access files outside the intended directory structure through manipulation of the file parameter using directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ajaxinit function that processes file requests. When a user submits a request containing a file parameter with .. (dot dot) sequences, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing. This allows attackers to navigate upward through the directory structure and access files that should remain restricted. The flaw essentially permits path traversal attacks where the application interprets user-supplied paths without proper boundary checking, leading to unauthorized file access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations using the affected WP Marketplace plugin. Authenticated users can exploit this flaw to download sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, plugin source code, and potentially system files that could reveal system architecture details. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers could potentially access files containing database connection strings, API keys, or other sensitive information that could facilitate further compromise of the WordPress installation. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, which many WordPress sites already have in place for user management.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and maps to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 Accessing/Querying Data from Databases, though it more specifically relates to T1083 File and Directory Discovery. The attack vector can be leveraged by an authenticated attacker who has access to the WordPress admin panel or user accounts, making it particularly concerning for sites with numerous user accounts or those that do not properly enforce access controls. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper path handling in web applications, especially when processing user-supplied data through AJAX functions.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to WP Marketplace version 2.4.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additional mitigations include implementing proper access controls, monitoring for unusual file access patterns, and ensuring that user accounts are properly managed with least privilege principles. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block directory traversal attempts, though the most effective solution remains the official patch provided by the plugin developers. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of regular security updates and proper code review processes to prevent such flaws from being introduced into web applications.