CVE-2015-9473 in estrutura-basica Theme
Summary
by MITRE
The estrutura-basica theme through 2015-09-13 for WordPress has directory traversal via the scripts/download.php arquivo parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2024
The CVE-2015-9473 vulnerability affects the estrutura-basica WordPress theme version 2015-09-13 and earlier, presenting a critical directory traversal flaw that allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability specifically targets the scripts/download.php endpoint within the theme, where the arquivo parameter fails to properly validate user input, creating an exploitable path traversal condition. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the arquivo parameter to navigate through the file system and potentially retrieve sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation within the theme's download script. When a user submits a request to scripts/download.php with a malicious arquivo parameter, the application does not properly filter or sanitize the input before using it in file operations. This allows an attacker to craft requests containing sequences such as ../ or ..\ that traverse up the directory structure, ultimately accessing files outside the intended download directory. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access WordPress configuration files containing database credentials, plugin files that may contain additional vulnerabilities, or even system files that could provide insights into the underlying server infrastructure. This information can then be leveraged to escalate privileges, gain unauthorized access to administrative interfaces, or use the compromised credentials to move laterally within the network environment. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file system discovery, as attackers can systematically explore the file system to identify valuable targets.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9473 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and sanitization. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that filters out directory traversal sequences and ensures that all file operations occur within designated safe directories. Organizations should update to the latest version of the estrutura-basica theme where this vulnerability has been patched, as the maintainers have released fixes that properly sanitize the arquivo parameter. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules that detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns can provide an additional layer of protection. Security measures should also include restricting file permissions to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in preventing common attack patterns and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all web application components, particularly those handling file operations and user-supplied data.