CVE-2015-1000001 in fast-image-adder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Remote file upload vulnerability in fast-image-adder v1.1 Wordpress plugin
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2019
The remote file upload vulnerability in the fast-image-adder wordpress plugin version 1.1 represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate file type checking mechanisms within the plugin's image upload functionality. The flaw enables malicious actors to bypass security restrictions and upload malicious files to the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects wordpress installations that have this specific plugin version installed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple plugins are deployed. The attack vector leverages the plugin's lack of proper file extension validation and content type verification, allowing attackers to upload files with dangerous extensions such as .php, .asp, or other executable formats.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied file names and content types during the upload process. When users attempt to upload images through the plugin interface, the system does not adequately verify that uploaded files conform to expected image formats such as jpeg, png, or gif. This absence of proper validation creates an opportunity for attackers to upload malicious files that may be executed by the web server. The vulnerability can be exploited through a simple http post request to the plugin's upload endpoint, making it particularly accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. The flaw directly maps to common weakness enumerations such as CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications fail to validate file types and content. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to gain initial access and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or exfiltrate sensitive data from compromised systems. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can leverage the web server's execution capabilities to perform various malicious activities including data theft, system reconnaissance, or deploying additional malware. The vulnerability affects not only individual user accounts but can potentially compromise entire wordpress installations, especially in shared hosting environments where multiple sites reside on the same server. Organizations running vulnerable versions of this plugin face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The attack surface is particularly broad since wordpress remains one of the most widely used content management systems, making this vulnerability attractive to threat actors seeking to maximize their impact.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including plugin updates to versions that address the file upload validation issues. System administrators should ensure that all wordpress plugins are regularly updated and that outdated versions are removed from installations. The implementation of proper file upload restrictions, including strict validation of file extensions, content type checking, and secure file storage practices, forms essential defensive measures. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious upload requests, while also implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized file uploads. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the entire wordpress ecosystem. The remediation process must include not only updating the vulnerable plugin but also reviewing other plugins and themes for similar security flaws, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in web applications.