CVE-2015-3173 in custom-content-type-manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/07/2022
custom-content-type-manager Wordpress plugin can be used by an administrator to achieve arbitrary PHP remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2022
The CVE-2015-3173 vulnerability resides within the custom-content-type-manager wordpress plugin, representing a critical security flaw that enables authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary PHP code remotely. This vulnerability fundamentally undermines the security model of wordpress installations by allowing privilege escalation through a seemingly benign plugin functionality. The flaw manifests when administrators interact with specific plugin features that improperly handle user input, creating a pathway for malicious code injection that bypasses standard security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's codebase. When administrators access certain administrative interfaces or submit data through the plugin's custom content type management features, the system fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied parameters. This allows attackers with administrative privileges to inject malicious PHP code that gets executed within the web server context. The vulnerability operates under CWE-74, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PHP. The flaw essentially creates a code injection vector that transforms legitimate administrative access into a full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3173 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected wordpress installations. Once exploited, adversaries can establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only administrative credentials, which are often less protected than system-level access. Organizations running vulnerable wordpress installations face significant risks including data breaches, website defacement, and potential use as command and control infrastructure for broader cyber operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3173 focus on immediate plugin updates and comprehensive access control measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the custom-content-type-manager plugin, which addresses the input validation deficiencies through proper sanitization and escaping mechanisms. System administrators should also implement strict administrative access controls including multi-factor authentication, regular credential rotation, and principle of least privilege enforcement. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual PHP execution patterns or suspicious administrative activities. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their wordpress installations, including plugin vulnerability scanning and code review processes to identify similar input validation flaws that may exist in other components of their web applications.