CVE-2015-9463 in s3bubble-amazon-s3-audio-streaming Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The s3bubble-amazon-s3-audio-streaming plugin 2.0 for WordPress has directory traversal via the adverts/assets/plugins/ultimate/content/downloader.php path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2024
The s3bubble-amazon-s3-audio-streaming plugin version 2.0 for WordPress presents a critical directory traversal vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to sensitive files on the affected system. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the adverts/assets/plugins/ultimate/content/downloader.php endpoint where the path parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize user input. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the path parameter to navigate through the file system and potentially access files outside the intended directory structure. Directory traversal vulnerabilities of this nature represent a fundamental breakdown in input validation and access control mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal file access restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of the path parameter within the downloader.php script. When user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file system operations without adequate validation, it creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious requests that traverse directory structures using sequences like "../". This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The weakness occurs because the application fails to implement proper input validation and sanitization controls before processing file system operations, creating a pathway for arbitrary file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially enable attackers to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other critical system components. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to download WordPress core files, plugin files, or even access the wp-config.php file which typically contains database connection details and cryptographic keys. This exposure could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized modification of web content. The vulnerability affects any WordPress installation running the vulnerable plugin version, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple sites share common infrastructure or where automated scanning tools identify and exploit such weaknesses.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters. The recommended approach involves implementing strict path validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences or absolute paths. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues within the WordPress ecosystem. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Impairing Defenses, as attackers can leverage such weaknesses to gain unauthorized access and potentially escalate privileges within the compromised environment. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.