CVE-2016-11006 in wp-invoice Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-invoice plugin before 4.1.1 for WordPress has incorrect access control for admin_init settings changes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2023
The wp-invoice plugin vulnerability CVE-2016-11006 represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of WordPress installations. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 4.1.1 and specifically targets the admin_init hook within the plugin's settings management functionality. The issue stems from insufficient permission checks that allow unauthorized users to modify administrative settings through the plugin's interface. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-285, which deals with improper authorization in software components, making it a direct threat to the principle of least privilege that governs secure system design. Attackers exploiting this flaw can manipulate core plugin configurations without proper authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the plugin's administrative initialization process where the admin_init hook is used to handle settings modifications. The flaw manifests when the plugin fails to verify user permissions before processing configuration changes, allowing any authenticated user to execute administrative functions. This misconfiguration creates an attack surface where privilege escalation becomes possible through simple parameter manipulation or direct access to the plugin's administrative endpoints. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the WordPress plugin level, bypassing standard WordPress permission systems that typically protect administrative functions from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential system-wide compromise and data manipulation capabilities. An attacker with access to a low-privilege user account can leverage this flaw to modify plugin settings, potentially disabling security features or introducing malicious configurations. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials and abuse of access control mechanisms. The implications include the potential for persistent access, data exfiltration, and the ability to establish backdoors through modified plugin configurations. Additionally, the vulnerability can facilitate further exploitation by enabling attackers to manipulate plugin behavior in ways that could compromise other WordPress components or external systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-11006 require immediate action including upgrading to wp-invoice plugin version 4.1.1 or later, which contains the necessary access control fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of plugin administrative activities to detect unauthorized configuration changes. The remediation process must include verification that all user accounts have appropriate permission levels and that no unauthorized modifications have been made to plugin settings. Security hardening measures should include implementing role-based access controls, regularly auditing plugin configurations, and maintaining updated security policies for WordPress installations. Network segmentation and additional monitoring of administrative interfaces can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date plugins and the necessity of implementing robust access control measures within WordPress environments.