CVE-2014-9177 in HTML5 MP3 Player with Playlist Free
Summary
by MITRE
The HTML5 MP3 Player with Playlist Free plugin before 2.7 for WordPress allows remote attackers to obtain the installation path via a request to html5plus/playlist.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-9177 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the HTML5 MP3 Player with Playlist Free WordPress plugin. This security weakness affects versions prior to 2.7 and exposes the underlying file system path structure of the affected web server. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the plugin's playlist.php file, which processes requests without adequate sanitization or access controls. When remote attackers send specific requests to the html5plus/playlist.php endpoint, the system inadvertently reveals sensitive directory paths that could be exploited for further attacks. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in web application development where internal system information should never be exposed to external users through error messages or direct file access points.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the plugin's lack of proper authentication checks and input validation when processing requests to the playlist.php file. Attackers can construct malicious requests that bypass normal access controls and trigger the application to return directory path information. This weakness enables adversaries to gather intelligence about the target system's file structure, which can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks such as path traversal exploits or to identify other potential vulnerabilities within the same system. The operational impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as this leaked path information can serve as a foundation for privilege escalation attempts, directory traversal attacks, or even remote code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient access controls and improper error handling can create security risks that are easily exploitable by threat actors with basic technical knowledge.
Organizations using this vulnerable plugin face significant operational risks that extend into their overall security posture. The exposure of installation paths can provide attackers with crucial information needed to plan more targeted attacks against the WordPress installation and underlying infrastructure. Security teams must recognize that this vulnerability can serve as an initial foothold for more comprehensive compromise attempts, making it essential to address promptly. The impact on system integrity is particularly concerning as it enables attackers to map the file system structure and potentially identify other vulnerable components within the same environment. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management processes, as it represents a preventable issue that could have been resolved through proper security coding practices and timely updates.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2014-9177 requires immediate action to upgrade the affected WordPress plugin to version 2.7 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures including the restriction of direct file access, implementation of proper authentication mechanisms, and comprehensive monitoring of access patterns to the vulnerable endpoint. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense by blocking suspicious requests to the playlist.php file. Security professionals should consider implementing the principle of least privilege and ensure that all plugin installations undergo security review processes before deployment. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten project, which emphasizes the need for proper input validation and access control mechanisms. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their entire technology stack.