CVE-2016-10956 in mail-masta Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The mail-masta plugin 1.0 for WordPress has local file inclusion in count_of_send.php and csvexport.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2023
The CVE-2016-10956 vulnerability represents a critical local file inclusion flaw within the mail-masta plugin version 1.0 for WordPress, exposing systems to potential unauthorized file access and arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability specifically affects two PHP files within the plugin's codebase: count_of_send.php and csvexport.php, which are designed to handle email sending statistics and csv export functionality respectively. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into file system operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating input variables to reference arbitrary local files on the server, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure, system compromise, or further attack vector exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the plugin's file inclusion mechanisms. When the count_of_send.php and csvexport.php scripts process user input, they fail to validate or sanitize the parameters that determine which files to include or process. This creates an environment where malicious actors can inject crafted file paths that bypass normal access controls and file system restrictions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The flaw essentially allows attackers to manipulate the include_path parameter to access files outside of the intended directory structure, potentially reaching sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources that should remain inaccessible to unauthorized users.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10956 extends beyond simple information disclosure, presenting significant security risks to WordPress installations using the affected mail-masta plugin. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access database configuration files, user credentials, plugin settings, and potentially gain deeper system access through the exploitation of additional vulnerabilities. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate exposure of sensitive data but also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges, establish persistent access, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. Given that WordPress is one of the most widely deployed content management systems, the potential attack surface for this vulnerability is extensive, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on WordPress platforms for their web presence.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates, as the vendor would have likely released a patched version addressing the input validation deficiencies. System administrators should implement proper access controls and file permissions to limit the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that web server processes cannot access sensitive system files even if path traversal attacks succeed. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability by monitoring for suspicious file path patterns and parameter manipulation. Additionally, regular security audits and input validation testing should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or custom code. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege models for web application file access, ensuring that applications only have access to the minimum required file system resources necessary for their operation, thereby reducing the potential impact of path traversal and local file inclusion vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat landscape when such vulnerabilities are successfully exploited.