CVE-2015-1000012 in mypixs Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Local File Inclusion Vulnerability in mypixs v0.3 wordpress plugin
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2019
The CVE-2015-1000012 vulnerability represents a critical local file inclusion flaw discovered within the mypixs wordpress plugin version 0.3, exposing systems to potential unauthorized file access and arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal, which is a fundamental security weakness in web applications. The mypixs plugin, designed to manage and display images within wordpress environments, contained a flaw in its parameter handling that allowed attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths through user-supplied input. The vulnerability specifically manifested when the plugin failed to properly validate or sanitize file paths passed through HTTP parameters, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to access sensitive files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that bypasses normal file access controls and gains access to files outside the intended directory scope. The flaw typically involves parameters that control which image files or configuration files are loaded by the plugin, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to inject directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the plugin's designated file directories. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in wordpress environments where plugins often have access to sensitive system files, database configuration files, and potentially user data. The attack vector commonly involves manipulating URL parameters that control image display or plugin functionality, enabling unauthorized access to system resources that should remain protected.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1000012 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential complete system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the plugin operates with elevated privileges. Attackers could potentially access wordpress configuration files containing database credentials, user authentication details, or other sensitive system information that would enable further exploitation. The vulnerability also opens pathways for arbitrary code execution, allowing threat actors to upload and execute malicious scripts on the affected server. This risk is amplified in wordpress environments where plugins often have broad file system permissions and may be used to store or process user-uploaded content. The attack surface is particularly concerning for wordpress installations that do not regularly update their plugins, as the mypixs plugin version 0.3 was vulnerable to exploitation for an extended period.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including plugin updates to versions that properly validate and sanitize input parameters, implementation of proper file access controls, and comprehensive security auditing of wordpress installations. Organizations should implement input validation mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed, employ proper file path normalization, and restrict plugin file access to only necessary directories. The remediation process involves updating the mypixs plugin to a patched version that addresses the path traversal vulnerability, while also ensuring that the wordpress installation follows security best practices such as restricting file permissions, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments. Security measures should align with industry standards including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, particularly focusing on input validation and access control measures. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unauthorized file access attempts and implement logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of regular security updates and proper plugin management in wordpress environments, as outdated or unpatched components remain prime targets for exploitation by threat actors.