CVE-2015-9481 in ThemeMakers Diplomat
Summary
by MITRE
The ThemeMakers Diplomat | Political theme through 2015-05-15 for WordPress allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information (such as user_login, user_pass, and user_email values) via a direct request for the wp-content/uploads/tmm_db_migrate/wp_users.dat URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9481 affects the ThemeMakers Diplomat | Political WordPress theme version 2015-05-15 and earlier, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive user credentials. This vulnerability stems from improper access controls within the theme's file structure, specifically targeting the wp-content/uploads/tmm_db_migrate/wp_users.dat file which contains user account information in an unencrypted format. The flaw allows remote attackers to directly access this sensitive data file through a simple URI request, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and WordPress security controls.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which defines information exposure, and represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference where the application provides direct access to internal objects without proper authorization checks. The exposed data includes user_login, user_pass, and user_email values, which collectively provide attackers with comprehensive user account information that can be leveraged for further attacks. The presence of user passwords in plain text format within the wp_users.dat file creates an additional risk vector for credential compromise and account takeover attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to conduct targeted credential stuffing attacks against the compromised user accounts. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using the affected theme version, regardless of the underlying WordPress core version, making it particularly dangerous as it operates outside the typical WordPress security model. Attackers can systematically enumerate user accounts and attempt to gain unauthorized access to administrative panels, potentially leading to full site compromise and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including immediate removal of the vulnerable theme from affected installations, as the vulnerability cannot be patched through standard WordPress updates. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to block access to the specific URI path mentioned in the vulnerability, and conduct thorough audits of all uploaded theme files for similar information disclosure flaws. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and ensuring that sensitive data files are not accessible through web root directories addresses the underlying architectural issue. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Credential Access and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, as outlined in the OWASP Top 10 2017 category A03: Sensitive Data Exposure.