CVE-2015-10000 in mailcwp Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Remote file upload vulnerability in mailcwp v1.99 wordpress plugin
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
The remote file upload vulnerability identified in mailcwp version 1.99 WordPress plugin represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to upload arbitrary files to a target system. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's file handling mechanisms, specifically in how it processes and validates file uploads from authenticated users. The mailcwp plugin, designed for email campaign management, fails to properly sanitize file extensions and content types during the upload process, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious file injection. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient file type restrictions that permit attackers to bypass security measures designed to prevent execution of potentially harmful file formats such as php, aspx, or other server-side scripting languages.
The technical implementation of this flaw enables an authenticated attacker with appropriate privileges to upload malicious files directly to the web server's file system. When the plugin processes file uploads, it does not adequately verify the file's actual content against its declared type or extension, allowing attackers to rename malicious files with legitimate extensions or use file upload bypass techniques. This vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's handling of attachments and media files, where the system accepts uploads without proper validation of file characteristics including MIME types, file signatures, or content analysis. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard HTTP requests that target the plugin's upload endpoint, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal specialized tools for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates potential for remote code execution and complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload web shells, backdoor scripts, or other malicious payloads that persist on the target server. The consequences include unauthorized access to sensitive data, potential lateral movement within network infrastructure, and complete compromise of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have gained access to user accounts with sufficient privileges to utilize the plugin's functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user access controls are not properly enforced. Organizations may face data breaches, service disruptions, and compliance violations when this vulnerability is successfully exploited, as the compromised system can be used to establish persistent access for further malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the file upload validation issues, implementing proper file type restrictions, and deploying additional security controls such as web application firewalls. Organizations should enforce strict file validation mechanisms that check both file extensions and content signatures, implement proper access controls to limit upload capabilities, and conduct regular security assessments of third-party plugins. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1105 for ingress tool transfer and T1078 for valid accounts. Security measures should include monitoring for unusual file upload patterns, implementing content inspection of uploaded files, and ensuring that all WordPress plugins are regularly updated from trusted sources. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, least privilege access controls, and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web infrastructure.