CVE-2015-5472 in Mappro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in lib/download.php in the IBS Mappro plugin before 1.0 for WordPress allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2019
The CVE-2015-5472 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the IBS Mappro plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.0. This vulnerability resides in the lib/download.php component and exposes the system to remote code execution risks through improper input validation. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the file parameter with absolute pathnames, enabling unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file system operations without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications as it can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the WordPress plugin's file handling mechanism. When the file parameter is processed in lib/download.php, the application fails to properly sanitize or restrict user-provided absolute pathnames, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal file access controls. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which defines path traversal vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when applications allow user input to influence file system operations without proper validation. The vulnerability exists because the plugin does not implement proper input filtering or path normalization techniques, enabling attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5472 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system resources and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected WordPress installation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive files including wp-config.php, which typically contains database credentials and cryptographic keys, or access other plugin and theme files that may contain additional sensitive information. The vulnerability can also facilitate further exploitation by allowing attackers to potentially upload malicious files or modify existing system components, leading to persistent access and potential privilege escalation. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in WordPress environments where plugins often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources, making the attack surface significantly larger than typical web application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5472 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.0 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the path traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject absolute pathnames and enforce strict file access controls. The remediation process should include configuring web server restrictions to prevent access to sensitive files, implementing proper file permissions, and establishing network-level controls to restrict access to plugin components. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts, while establishing monitoring procedures to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and least privilege principles, which align with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes, as this class of vulnerability remains prevalent in many web applications due to insufficient input validation and improper file handling practices.