CVE-2017-1002007 in DTracker Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in wordpress plugin DTracker v1.5, The code dtracker/save_mail.php doesn't check that the user is authorized before injecting new contacts into the wp_contact table.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1002007 affects the DTracker WordPress plugin version 1.5, specifically within the dtracker/save_mail.php component. This represents a critical authorization bypass flaw that fundamentally undermines the security model of the plugin. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper user authentication checks before executing contact insertion operations into the WordPress wp_contact database table. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-863 category of "Incorrect Authorization" which occurs when a system does not properly verify that an actor is authorized to perform a requested action. The flaw exists at the application logic level where the plugin fails to implement proper access control mechanisms before allowing data modification operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows any unauthenticated user to inject arbitrary contact data into the WordPress database through the save_mail.php endpoint. This occurs because the plugin does not validate whether the current user possesses sufficient privileges to add contacts to the wp_contact table. The absence of authentication checks creates an unrestricted write access point that bypasses WordPress's standard user permission systems. Attackers can exploit this by directly calling the vulnerable endpoint with crafted parameters, potentially leading to contact list manipulation, data injection, or even broader database compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data injection, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate contact information, create false entries, or establish persistent access points within the plugin's data structure. In a typical WordPress environment, this could allow threat actors to pollute contact databases with malicious entries, potentially facilitating social engineering attacks or phishing campaigns. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require any special privileges beyond basic web access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone who can reach the vulnerable endpoint. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on the DTracker plugin for contact management, as it undermines the integrity of their contact data and potentially provides attack vectors for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1002007 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization bypass flaw. System administrators should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the vulnerable endpoint and monitor for suspicious activity in the wp_contact table. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can help reduce the impact of any potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of implementing proper access control checks in web applications, particularly in plugins that handle user data. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block exploitation attempts targeting the vulnerable save_mail.php endpoint. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins should be conducted to identify similar authorization bypass issues that may exist in other components of the WordPress ecosystem.