CVE-2017-1002016 in flickr-picture-backup
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in wordpress plugin flickr-picture-backup v0.7, The code in flickr-picture-download.php doesn't check to see if the user is authenticated or that they have permission to upload files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1002016 affects the flickr-picture-backup wordpress plugin version 0.7 and represents a critical authorization flaw that undermines the security model of wordpress installations. This issue stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the plugin's file upload functionality, specifically in the flickr-picture-download.php component. The flaw allows unauthorized users to bypass authentication checks and execute file upload operations without proper authorization, creating a significant vector for malicious activity within wordpress environments.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-863, which describes "Incorrect Authorization" in software systems where the application fails to properly verify that an actor is authorized to perform a requested action. The technical implementation flaw occurs because the flickr-picture-download.php script does not invoke standard wordpress authentication functions or role-based access controls before permitting file upload operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by directly accessing the vulnerable endpoint without requiring valid credentials or administrative privileges, effectively circumventing the built-in security mechanisms that protect wordpress installations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within compromised wordpress environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could upload malicious files such as web shells, backdoors, or other malicious payloads that could then be executed within the target system. This creates a persistent threat vector that could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or use as a staging area for further attacks against internal networks. The vulnerability affects any wordpress installation running the vulnerable plugin version, making it particularly dangerous in environments with multiple user accounts or public-facing wordpress installations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization flaw, as well as implementing additional defensive measures such as restricting file upload capabilities through web server configuration and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities. The wordpress security team recommends disabling the vulnerable plugin immediately while patches are being applied, and organizations should consider implementing network-level restrictions to prevent direct access to plugin endpoints. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials and T1505 which covers server-side injection, demonstrating how the flaw enables attackers to establish persistent access and potentially escalate privileges within compromised systems.