CVE-2015-1365 in Pixabay Images
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in pixabay-images.php in the Pixabay Images plugin before 2.4 for WordPress allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the q parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1365 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Pixabay Images plugin for WordPress, affecting versions prior to 2.4. This weakness resides in the pixabay-images.php script where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the q parameter. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input, specifically failing to properly filter or escape directory traversal sequences such as the .. (dot dot) notation that is commonly used to navigate up directory levels in file systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences within the q parameter of the pixabay-images.php endpoint. This allows the plugin to interpret the crafted path and potentially write files to arbitrary locations on the web server filesystem. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can enable attackers to upload malicious files, overwrite critical system files, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it can potentially allow attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise. When combined with other attack vectors or when the web server has sufficient privileges, this vulnerability can enable attackers to upload web shells, modify core WordPress files, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The attack surface is significant as it affects any WordPress installation running an affected version of the Pixabay Images plugin, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the ability to write arbitrary files to execute malicious code.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigation measures including updating to the patched version 2.4 of the Pixabay Images plugin, which properly validates and sanitizes input parameters to prevent directory traversal attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation at the web application firewall level, restricting file write permissions on the web server, and conducting thorough security audits of all installed WordPress plugins. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper secure coding practices, particularly in input validation and file handling operations, as emphasized by the OWASP Top Ten security risks and the principle of least privilege in system design. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect suspicious file creation or modification patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.