CVE-2015-9272 in videowhisper-video-presentation Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The videowhisper-video-presentation plugin 3.31.17 for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code because vp/vw_upload.php considers a file safe when "html" are the last four characters, as demonstrated by a .phtml file containing PHP code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The CVE-2015-9272 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the videowhisper-video-presentation plugin version 3.31.17 for WordPress systems. This vulnerability stems from inadequate file validation mechanisms within the plugin's upload functionality, specifically in the vp/vw_upload.php component. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of insecure file upload handling that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to bypass security measures through a simple filename manipulation technique that exploits the plugin's overly permissive file type validation logic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on a specific flaw in the file extension checking mechanism. The plugin incorrectly determines that files are safe for upload when the last four characters of a filename match the string "html", which includes the file extension .phtml. This validation error occurs because the plugin does not properly distinguish between different file types that happen to end with the same characters. Attackers can leverage this by uploading malicious files with extensions like .phtml, .php3, or other PHP-based extensions that end in "html", thereby circumventing the intended security restrictions. This approach exploits a fundamental weakness in the plugin's input sanitization process, which should have implemented comprehensive file type validation rather than relying on simple string matching.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for WordPress administrators and system operators. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability allows for persistent backdoor installation, enabling attackers to maintain long-term access to compromised systems. Additionally, the attack surface extends to all WordPress installations running the affected plugin version, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication or special privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where WordPress plugins are frequently updated or where security configurations are not properly maintained.
The vulnerability aligns with several established cybersecurity frameworks and threat models, including CWE-434 which addresses insecure file upload handling, and represents a clear example of the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including plugin updates to versions that address the file validation issue, implementing additional file type restrictions, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file uploads. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security audits of all WordPress installations to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes. Furthermore, system administrators should establish regular patch management processes and implement proper file upload restrictions to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation in web application security.