CVE-2015-5482 in GD bbPress Attachments Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the GD bbPress Attachments plugin before 2.3 for WordPress allows remote administrators to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the tab parameter in the gdbbpress_attachments page to wp-admin/edit.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2022
The CVE-2015-5482 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the GD bbPress Attachments plugin for WordPress, affecting versions prior to 2.3. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input within the tab parameter of the gdbbpress_attachments page accessible through wp-admin/edit.php. The flaw enables remote administrators with appropriate privileges to exploit the directory traversal mechanism by manipulating the tab parameter with .. (dot dot) sequences, thereby gaining unauthorized access to arbitrary local files on the server. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of the tab parameter, which allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access sensitive files that should remain protected.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal. The flaw represents a significant security risk as it allows attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability specifically impacts WordPress installations where the GD bbPress Attachments plugin is installed and active, with the attack vector being accessible through the administrative interface. The exploitation requires an attacker to already possess administrative privileges, making this a privilege escalation vulnerability rather than a direct remote code execution flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5482 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files including configuration files, database credentials, and other critical resources that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary file inclusion and execution, which can result in complete compromise of the WordPress installation and potentially the entire server. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access wp-config.php files containing database passwords, upload malicious files, or execute arbitrary code on the server. The impact extends beyond immediate compromise as the attacker could use the access to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for attacks on other systems within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5482 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 2.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the directory traversal vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent similar issues in other components of the WordPress installation. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that only authorized administrators have access to the administrative interfaces, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts, monitoring for unusual file access patterns, and maintaining regular backups to enable quick recovery in case of compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing security hardening practices such as disabling unnecessary administrative functions, restricting file upload capabilities, and regularly updating all WordPress core components and plugins to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as the attack typically requires gaining administrative access through social engineering or other means before exploiting this specific vulnerability.