CVE-2015-9271 in videowhisper-video-conference-integration Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The VideoWhisper videowhisper-video-conference-integration plugin 4.91.8 for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code because vc/vw_upload.php considers a file safe when "html" are the last four characters, as demonstrated by a .phtml file containing PHP code, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-1905.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9271 represents a critical security flaw within the VideoWhisper videowhisper-video-conference-integration plugin version 4.91.8 for WordPress systems. This issue stems from an insecure file validation mechanism that fails to properly verify file extensions and content types during upload processes. The vulnerability specifically affects the vc/vw_upload.php component which incorrectly determines file safety based on a simplistic string comparison that only examines the last four characters of uploaded filenames. This flawed logic creates a pathway for remote attackers to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the plugin's inadequate file type validation approach that focuses solely on filename extensions rather than implementing comprehensive content analysis or MIME type verification. When attackers upload files with extensions ending in "html", such as .phtml files, the system incorrectly assumes these files are safe and processes them without proper security checks. This misconfiguration allows malicious actors to upload PHP files with .phtml extensions that contain malicious code, effectively creating a backdoor for remote code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of secure coding practices and represents a classic example of improper input validation and file handling mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to WordPress installations using the affected plugin version. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to compromised systems, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or deployment of additional malicious payloads. The attack surface extends beyond individual plugin installations to potentially affect entire WordPress networks, especially in environments where multiple sites share similar plugin configurations. Organizations running vulnerable systems face significant exposure to persistent threats that can remain undetected for extended periods, as the malicious code execution occurs through legitimate upload mechanisms that appear normal to security monitoring systems.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type) categories, reflecting fundamental flaws in file upload security controls. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP), demonstrating how attackers can exploit web application vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including plugin updates to versions that address the file validation logic, implementation of strict file type filtering, and deployment of web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload activities. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their WordPress installations, ensuring that all file upload mechanisms properly validate both file extensions and content types to prevent similar exploitation scenarios.