CVE-2015-1000000 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 • 12/01/2024
The remote file upload vulnerability in mailcwp v1.99 wordpress plugin represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to upload arbitrary files to a target system through a web application interface. This vulnerability specifically affects the mailcwp plugin version 1.99 and earlier, creating an attack surface that can be exploited to execute malicious code on the affected WordPress installation. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate file type restrictions within the plugin's file upload functionality, enabling unauthorized users to bypass security controls and gain persistent access to the compromised system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper file validation mechanisms that should verify file extensions, MIME types, and content signatures before allowing uploads. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious files with extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp that are typically blocked by WordPress security protocols. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires minimal privileges to exploit, as it does not require authentication for the upload process itself. This makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone who can access the plugin's upload interface, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it can lead to full system compromise through various attack vectors. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or the installation of backdoors. The vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent access to the compromised system, allowing attackers to maintain control over the WordPress installation for extended periods. Additionally, the compromised system may serve as a launchpad for further attacks against internal networks or other connected systems.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including immediate patching of the mailcwp plugin to version 2.00 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Network segmentation and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious upload activities, while strict file type validation should be enforced at both the application and server levels. The principle of least privilege should be applied to restrict upload capabilities to only trusted administrators, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers can execute commands through uploaded malicious files.
Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect such issues in their WordPress installations and ensure that all plugins and themes are regularly updated from trusted sources. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 categories and various secure coding practices. Regular security training for developers and administrators should emphasize the risks associated with file upload functionality and the importance of implementing robust validation controls. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to alert on unusual upload patterns or file types that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include not only patching the vulnerable plugin but also conducting a thorough security assessment of the entire WordPress installation to identify any other potential attack vectors that may have been exploited.