CVE-2015-6828 in SecureMoz Security Audit Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The tweet_info function in class/__functions.php in the SecureMoz Security Audit plugin 1.0.5 and earlier for WordPress does not use an HTTPS session for downloading serialized data, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to conduct PHP object injection attacks and execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the client-server data stream. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-6828 represents a critical security flaw within the SecureMoz Security Audit plugin for WordPress, specifically in the tweet_info function located in class/__functions.php. This vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to establish secure HTTPS connections when downloading serialized data, creating a significant attack surface that exposes systems to man-in-the-middle exploitation. The flaw affects versions 1.0.5 and earlier, indicating a widespread issue within the plugin's user base that could potentially compromise numerous WordPress installations. The root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network connections, particularly when secure protocols are not enforced during data transmission.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to intercept and modify data streams between the client and server, specifically targeting the serialized data that the tweet_info function processes. When the function downloads serialized PHP objects without establishing an HTTPS session, it creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary PHP code into the serialized data stream. This injection occurs during the man-in-the-middle attack phase, where the attacker positions themselves between the legitimate client and server, intercepting and modifying the communication. The serialized data structure becomes a vector for code execution, as PHP's unserialize function processes the modified data and executes the injected code within the context of the vulnerable WordPress installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform arbitrary actions on compromised systems. The PHP object injection attack allows for remote code execution, potentially enabling attackers to gain full control over the affected WordPress installation. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the deployment of additional malware or backdoors. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects a security auditing plugin, which typically operates with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system information. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges, modify website content, steal user credentials, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates techniques consistent with ATT&CK tactic TA0001 (Initial Access) and technique T1059.007 (Python) or T1059.008 (PowerShell), as attackers can use the code execution capability to establish persistent access and maintain control over compromised systems. The lack of proper HTTPS session handling represents a fundamental security flaw in the plugin's architecture, violating security best practices for data transmission. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest version of the SecureMoz Security Audit plugin, enforcing HTTPS connections for all data downloads, and monitoring for suspicious activity in their WordPress installations. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for man-in-the-middle attack patterns and ensure proper certificate validation mechanisms are in place to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.