CVE-2014-9039 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
wp-login.php in WordPress before 3.7.5, 3.8.x before 3.8.5, 3.9.x before 3.9.3, and 4.x before 4.0.1 might allow remote attackers to reset passwords by leveraging access to an e-mail account that received a password-reset message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9039 represents a significant security flaw in the WordPress authentication system that persisted across multiple version branches. This weakness specifically affects the password reset functionality implemented in the wp-login.php file, which serves as the primary entry point for user authentication and account recovery operations within the WordPress platform. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 3.7.5, 3.8.x prior to 3.8.5, 3.9.x prior to 3.9.3, and 4.x prior to 4.0.1, indicating a widespread issue that impacted a substantial portion of WordPress installations during that time period.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of the password reset process, particularly concerning email verification mechanisms. Attackers could exploit this weakness by gaining access to an email account that had previously received a password reset notification from a target WordPress site. This scenario creates a privilege escalation path where unauthorized individuals can potentially reset passwords for accounts they do not own, effectively bypassing normal authentication controls. The flaw essentially allows for account takeover through social engineering or email compromise rather than direct technical exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9039 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model of user account recovery. When an attacker successfully leverages this vulnerability, they can gain unauthorized access to user accounts, potentially leading to data breaches, content manipulation, or further exploitation within the compromised system. The vulnerability particularly affects sites where users may have email accounts that are accessible to attackers through various means such as phishing, credential stuffing, or compromised email accounts. This issue becomes especially dangerous in environments where WordPress is used for sensitive applications or where users may have administrative privileges.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor issues in authentication flows can create significant security risks, particularly in systems where email serves as a primary verification mechanism. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of their WordPress installations to prevent exploitation, while also implementing additional security measures such as two-factor authentication and monitoring for unusual password reset activity. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust authentication mechanisms and the need for continuous security assessment of web application components, particularly those handling user account recovery processes.