CVE-2015-5469 in MDC YouTube Downloader Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in the MDC YouTube Downloader plugin 2.1.0 for WordPress allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the file parameter to includes/download.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The CVE-2015-5469 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the MDC YouTube Downloader WordPress plugin version 2.1.0, exposing systems to remote code execution and data exfiltration risks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the plugin's download functionality, specifically in the includes/download.php script that processes user-supplied file parameters without proper sanitization. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate the file parameter to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, system compromise, and privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through a classic path traversal attack vector where the plugin fails to validate or sanitize the file parameter before using it in file system operations. When a remote attacker submits a malicious file path containing absolute path traversal sequences such as ../../ or ../../../, the plugin processes these inputs directly without proper authorization checks or path normalization. This allows the attacker to navigate beyond the intended download directory and access sensitive system files including configuration files, database credentials, wp-config.php, and other critical resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, creating multiple attack surface opportunities for threat actors. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise as attackers gain access to administrative credentials, database connection details, and potentially other installed plugins or themes that may contain additional vulnerabilities. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations where the MDC YouTube Downloader plugin is actively deployed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple plugins are installed and where the plugin's download functionality is frequently used. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices that mandate proper input validation and sanitization.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack frameworks such as those documented in the MITRE ATT&CK matrix under techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles outlined in OWASP Top Ten and similar industry standards. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates or complete removal of the vulnerable plugin from affected WordPress installations. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls with path traversal detection rules, restricting file system access permissions for WordPress directories, and conducting comprehensive security audits to identify other potentially vulnerable components within the WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security assessments and timely patch management, particularly for third-party WordPress plugins that may not receive regular security updates from their developers.