CVE-2015-2673 in WP EasyCart Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The ec_ajax_update_option and ec_ajax_clear_all_taxrates functions in inc/admin/admin_ajax_functions.php in the WP EasyCart plugin 1.1.30 through 3.0.20 for Wordpress allows remote attackers to gain administrator privileges and execute arbitrary code via the option_name and option_value parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2673 resides within the WP EasyCart plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions between 1.1.30 and 3.0.20. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability manifests through two primary functions: ec_ajax_update_option and ec_ajax_clear_all_taxrates, both located in the inc/admin/admin_ajax_functions.php file. These functions are designed to handle administrative AJAX operations but fail to implement proper input validation and access controls, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient sanitization and authorization checks within the affected functions. Attackers can manipulate the option_name and option_value parameters to inject malicious data that gets processed without adequate validation. This lack of input sanitization creates a path for privilege escalation, allowing unauthenticated attackers to assume administrator privileges within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent trust placed in legitimate administrative functions, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal authentication mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, which encompasses issues where input validation is insufficient or absent, leading to code execution and privilege escalation scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise. Successful exploitation allows attackers to modify critical system parameters, inject malicious code into the WordPress installation, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The attack can result in full administrative control over the WordPress site, enabling unauthorized modifications to content, user accounts, and system configurations. This vulnerability particularly affects e-commerce environments where WP EasyCart is deployed, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate product listings, customer data, and payment processing functions. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can execute arbitrary code through the vulnerable AJAX endpoints, and T1484.001 for Path Traversal, since the functions handle file system operations through parameter manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the WP EasyCart plugin to versions that address the input validation issues. System administrators should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to AJAX endpoints and consider implementing additional authentication layers for administrative functions. The WordPress security team recommends disabling the vulnerable plugin immediately while waiting for patches, and conducting thorough security audits of all installed plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious parameter patterns targeting known vulnerable functions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors, with particular attention to AJAX endpoints that handle administrative functions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and authorization checks in web applications, particularly those handling administrative operations.