CVE-2016-10960 in wsecure Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wsecure plugin before 2.4 for WordPress has remote code execution via shell metacharacters in the wsecure-config.php publish parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10960 affects the wsecure plugin version 2.3 and earlier for WordPress platforms, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically resides within the plugin's handling of the publish parameter in the wsecure-config.php file, where insufficient input validation permits malicious users to inject shell metacharacters that are then interpreted and executed by the server. The flaw stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an avenue for attackers to escalate privileges and gain full control over the compromised WordPress installation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 which encompasses improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, commonly known as command injection vulnerabilities. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the execution flow of system commands through crafted input parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows threat actors to establish persistent access to affected systems and potentially move laterally within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, modify existing content, steal sensitive data, or even deploy additional malware. The remote code execution capability means that an attacker does not require direct access to the system to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations where the wsecure plugin is active and unpatched, creating a significant risk for organizations that fail to maintain current plugin versions. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which describes command and scripting interpreter for execution through PowerShell or similar command-line interfaces, although the specific implementation involves PHP command injection rather than PowerShell.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10960 require immediate action to address the vulnerability through plugin updates to version 2.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to prevent command injection attacks. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at multiple layers of their application architecture to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by restricting access to WordPress installations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues throughout the application stack. The remediation process should also include disabling or removing the vulnerable plugin if immediate updates are not feasible, while ensuring proper backup procedures are in place before implementing any changes to the WordPress installation. Security teams must also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all WordPress installations.