CVE-2015-1000002 in filedownload Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Open Proxy in filedownload v1.4 wordpress plugin
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1000002 represents a critical security flaw in the filedownload WordPress plugin version 1.4, specifically manifesting as an open proxy configuration that enables unauthorized access to external resources. This issue arises from improper input validation and access control mechanisms within the plugin's file download functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the WordPress installation for unauthorized network requests. The vulnerability allows attackers to leverage the compromised plugin to route traffic through the vulnerable WordPress server, effectively using it as a proxy to access internal network resources or external services without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this open proxy vulnerability stems from the filedownload plugin's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input when processing file download requests. When users access certain endpoints within the plugin, the system does not adequately verify the destination URLs or implement proper access controls that would prevent redirection to arbitrary external addresses. This flaw creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the plugin's functionality to make requests to internal network services, external malicious domains, or perform other unauthorized network operations through the compromised WordPress instance. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests that manipulate the plugin's parameters to redirect traffic through the vulnerable server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors including data exfiltration, internal network reconnaissance, and potential lateral movement within compromised environments. Attackers can use the open proxy to scan internal networks, access sensitive systems that are normally isolated from external exposure, or redirect traffic to malicious endpoints for phishing campaigns or malware distribution. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to organizations that host sensitive data or operate within regulated environments, as it may violate compliance requirements for network isolation and access control. Additionally, the open proxy can be leveraged for distributed denial-of-service attacks or to mask the true origin of malicious network traffic, complicating forensic analysis and incident response efforts.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate plugin updates to versions that address the open proxy configuration, along with network-level restrictions that prevent the WordPress server from accessing external resources. Organizations should implement proper input validation and access control measures within their WordPress installations, including restricting outbound network connections from the web server and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-811, which addresses Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1090.001 for Proxying, where adversaries use compromised systems as intermediaries for network communication. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability, while conducting thorough security assessments to identify other potential open proxy configurations within their WordPress installations.