CVE-2016-10924 in ebook-download Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The ebook-download plugin before 1.2 for WordPress has directory traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The ebook-download plugin for WordPress prior to version 1.2 contains a critical directory traversal vulnerability that allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the web server filesystem. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists in how the plugin handles file path parameters, failing to properly validate or sanitize user input that dictates which files should be accessed or downloaded. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating input parameters to navigate through the file system hierarchy and retrieve sensitive files that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the plugin's file handling mechanisms where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into file path constructions without adequate sanitization. When a user requests a file download through the ebook-download plugin, the system accepts parameters that specify which file to retrieve. However, the plugin does not properly validate these parameters, allowing malicious actors to inject sequences such as ../ or ..\ that traverse up the directory structure. This vulnerability can be exploited to access configuration files, database credentials, wp-config.php, plugin files, theme files, and potentially other sensitive system resources that should not be publicly accessible. The impact is particularly severe because WordPress installations often store sensitive information in these files, including database connection details, administrative credentials, and other system configuration data that could be leveraged for further compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to potentially escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the compromised system. Once an attacker successfully traverses directories and accesses sensitive files, they can extract database credentials, plugin source code, and configuration information that may reveal additional attack vectors or weaknesses within the WordPress installation. This vulnerability aligns with several techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) tactics, as attackers can use the extracted information to craft more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple plugins or themes are installed, as it may expose other components that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Additionally, attackers can potentially discover and exploit other vulnerabilities within the WordPress core or other installed components by accessing configuration files and source code.
Organizations should immediately update the ebook-download plugin to version 1.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal attacks. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing proper parameter validation at multiple layers, including input sanitization, path normalization, and access control checks. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other plugins or themes that may be vulnerable to similar path traversal issues. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with specific rules to block directory traversal sequences and conducting regular security audits of WordPress installations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as it highlights how seemingly minor implementation flaws can lead to severe security consequences.