CVE-2016-10977 in nelio-ab-testing Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The nelio-ab-testing plugin before 4.5.0 for WordPress has filename=..%2f directory traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2023
The nelio-ab-testing plugin for WordPress suffered from a critical directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10977 affecting versions prior to 4.5.0. This flaw allowed attackers to manipulate file paths through crafted input parameters, specifically targeting the filename parameter which could be exploited to access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's file handling mechanisms, creating an attack vector that could be leveraged for unauthorized data access and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user-supplied filenames that are not properly sanitized before being processed. When the filename parameter contains encoded directory traversal sequences such as ..%2f, the plugin fails to adequately validate or filter these inputs, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based interfaces where the plugin's functionality is exposed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could enable attackers to access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, and potentially system files that could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to read arbitrary files on the web server, potentially accessing wp-config.php, user databases, or other critical system resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning in WordPress environments where plugins often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive data. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers file and directory discovery, and could contribute to broader reconnaissance and lateral movement activities within compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to version 4.5.0 or later where the directory traversal issue has been resolved through proper input validation and sanitization. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including input validation at multiple layers, proper file access controls, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper code review processes, particularly for plugins that handle file operations or user-supplied data. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations and ensure all third-party plugins are regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities and maintain a secure baseline configuration.