CVE-2015-9482 in ThemeMakers Car Dealer Theme
Summary
by MITRE
The ThemeMakers Car Dealer / Auto Dealer Responsive 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 described in CVE-2015-9482 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the ThemeMakers Car Dealer WordPress theme version 2015-05-15 and earlier. This weakness allows remote attackers to directly access sensitive user data through a specific file path that exposes user credentials and personal information. The vulnerability exists due to improper access controls and inadequate file permissions within the theme's upload directory structure, specifically in the wp-content/uploads/tmm_db_migrate/ folder where user data is stored in an unsecured wp_users.dat file. The exposed data includes user_login, user_pass, and user_email fields which constitute fundamental authentication and personal information elements that could be exploited for unauthorized access to user accounts and potential identity theft.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and falls under the broader category of information disclosure weaknesses that can lead to privilege escalation and account compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication or specialized privileges from the attacker, making it an easy target for automated scanning tools and malicious actors seeking to harvest user credentials. The exposed data format suggests that the theme's database migration process was improperly secured, leaving user account information in a readable plaintext format that could be immediately exploited without additional technical knowledge.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential account takeover scenarios, unauthorized access to user personal information, and possible exploitation of the compromised credentials across other platforms where users may have reused passwords. Attackers could leverage the exposed user_pass values to gain direct access to WordPress admin panels, potentially leading to complete site compromise, data manipulation, and further propagation within network environments. The vulnerability also creates risks for user privacy and compliance with data protection regulations, as personal email addresses and login credentials are exposed without proper authorization controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate removal of the vulnerable wp_users.dat file and all related migration data from the wp-content/uploads/tmm_db_migrate/ directory. Administrators should implement proper file access controls and ensure that sensitive data is not stored in publicly accessible directories. The WordPress theme should be updated to a patched version that properly handles database migration processes and implements secure credential storage practices. Additionally, security monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive file paths and upload directories. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 which involves accessing data through unsecured files, and represents a classic example of poor input validation and access control implementation that should be addressed through proper security hardening practices and regular security audits of WordPress themes and plugins.