CVE-2014-9734 in Slider Revolution Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Slider Revolution (revslider) plugin before 4.2 for WordPress allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the img parameter in a revslider_show_image action to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The CVE-2014-9734 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Slider Revolution WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 4.2. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of file operations within the WordPress admin interface, creating a pathway for remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server. The flaw manifests when the plugin processes image requests through the revslider_show_image action endpoint located at wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being used in file system operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the img parameter within the revslider_show_image action, allowing attackers to inject .. (dot dot) sequences that traverse directory structures. This directory traversal mechanism enables attackers to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve sensitive files from the server, including configuration files, database credentials, wp-config.php, and potentially other system files. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper path sanitization, which are fundamental security practices that should prevent such unauthorized file access patterns. According to CWE-22, this vulnerability maps directly to improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, a common weakness that allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory scope.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9734 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to obtain administrative credentials, access database contents, or extract other sensitive configuration information that could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations where the Slider Revolution plugin is installed and active, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple plugins are deployed. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access or authentication, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories and T1566.002 for spearphishing attachments, as it enables adversaries to gather intelligence from compromised WordPress installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9734 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 4.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting access to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns, and conducting comprehensive security audits of installed WordPress plugins. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping all WordPress components updated and following security best practices including input validation, least privilege access, and regular security assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions to detect and respond to directory traversal attempts, as well as establishing incident response procedures to address potential exploitation of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include thorough testing of updated plugins to ensure compatibility and continued functionality while addressing the security gap introduced by the directory traversal flaw.