CVE-2015-9499 in Showbiz Pro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The Showbiz Pro plugin through 1.7.1 for WordPress has PHP code execution by uploading a .php file within a ZIP archive.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
The CVE-2015-9499 vulnerability affects the Showbiz Pro plugin version 1.7.1 and earlier for WordPress, presenting a critical security flaw that allows remote code execution through malicious file uploads. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and file handling mechanisms within the plugin's archive extraction process. The flaw specifically occurs when the plugin processes ZIP archives containing PHP files, failing to properly sanitize or validate the contents before extraction. Attackers can exploit this by creating a malicious ZIP archive containing a PHP payload and uploading it through the plugin's legitimate upload functionality, bypassing standard WordPress security measures that typically prevent direct PHP file uploads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload conditions where applications accept files without proper validation of their contents or type. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the WordPress plugin architecture and its file processing capabilities. When a ZIP archive is uploaded and extracted, the plugin does not perform adequate checks to ensure that extracted files are safe or legitimate. This creates an environment where malicious PHP code can be executed with the privileges of the web server, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the affected WordPress installation. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization and improper file handling, enabling attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9499 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over compromised WordPress installations. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to data breaches, website defacement, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not only individual websites but also poses risks to entire hosting environments, as compromised WordPress installations can serve as entry points for broader network attacks. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate plugin functionality, making detection more difficult for security monitoring systems. Organizations using affected versions of the Showbiz Pro plugin face significant risk of unauthorized access, data compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the severity of the privilege escalation and code execution capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9499 should include immediate patching of the Showbiz Pro plugin to version 1.7.2 or later, which addresses the file upload validation issues. System administrators should implement additional security measures such as restricting file upload capabilities, implementing strict file type validation, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web servers with minimal necessary permissions and by implementing proper file access controls. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits of installed plugins and themes, ensuring that all third-party components are kept up to date with the latest security patches. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers may leverage compromised plugin functionality to maintain persistent access. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual file upload activities and potential exploitation attempts, while regular vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar issues in other plugins or applications.