CVE-2016-11009 in wp-invoice Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-invoice plugin before 4.1.1 for WordPress has incorrect access control over wpi_interkassa payer metadata updates.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2023
The wp-invoice plugin vulnerability CVE-2016-11009 represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of WordPress installations relying on this payment processing extension. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 4.1.1 and exposes sensitive payer metadata updates through improper authorization mechanisms. The issue manifests within the plugin's handling of wpi_interkassa payment processing functionality, where authenticated users can manipulate payment metadata without proper verification of their privileges. The flaw resides in the plugin's failure to implement adequate access controls when processing interkassa payment requests, creating a pathway for unauthorized modifications to customer payment information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authorization checks within the plugin's backend processing logic. When users submit payment information through the interkassa integration, the system should verify that only authorized parties can modify specific metadata fields. However, the wp-invoice plugin fails to perform proper authentication checks before allowing updates to payer information, particularly within the wpi_interkassa component. This misconfiguration allows attackers to exploit the lack of proper access control mechanisms and potentially alter payment details, customer information, or transaction metadata. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, specifically targeting scenarios where insufficient access controls permit unauthorized modifications to sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data integrity concerns to encompass potential financial fraud and customer data compromise. Attackers leveraging this flaw could manipulate payment records, alter customer billing information, or redirect payment processing to unauthorized parties. The consequences include potential monetary losses for both businesses and customers, regulatory compliance violations, and damage to organizational reputation. Organizations using vulnerable versions of the wp-invoice plugin face significant risk exposure, particularly those handling sensitive payment information through WordPress platforms. The vulnerability demonstrates how third-party plugin components can introduce critical security gaps into otherwise secure WordPress environments, emphasizing the importance of thorough security assessment for all installed extensions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-11009 require immediate patching of the wp-invoice plugin to version 4.1.1 or later, which contains the necessary access control improvements. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including regular plugin audits, monitoring of payment processing activities, and enforcement of principle of least privilege for user accounts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while proper logging and alerting mechanisms should be configured to monitor unauthorized access attempts. Security teams must conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all WordPress installations, paying particular attention to payment processing plugins and their access control implementations. The remediation process should include verification that all affected systems have been properly updated and that no unauthorized modifications have occurred during the vulnerability window. This case highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party components and implementing robust access control mechanisms throughout the application lifecycle.