CVE-2017-18584 in post-pay-counter Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The post-pay-counter plugin before 2.731 for WordPress has no permissions check for an update-settinga action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18584 affects the post-pay-counter plugin for WordPress systems prior to version 2.731. This issue represents a critical authorization flaw that allows unauthenticated users to execute administrative functions within the plugin's framework. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper permission validation mechanisms within the plugin's update-settinga action handler, which is designed to modify configuration parameters. Without adequate access controls, any visitor to the WordPress site can potentially manipulate the plugin settings, leading to unauthorized changes in the system's operational parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the plugin's failure to verify user credentials or administrative privileges before executing sensitive operations. The update-settinga action appears to be exposed to public access without proper authentication checks, making it susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors who can leverage this weakness to modify core plugin configurations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses insufficient authorization issues in software systems. The flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege, where operations requiring administrative rights are accessible to all users regardless of their permission level or authentication status.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, potentially allowing attackers to alter payment processing parameters, modify counter settings, or manipulate transaction data within the post-pay-counter plugin. This could result in financial losses, data integrity issues, or disruption of payment processing workflows that depend on the plugin's functionality. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor for attackers to maintain access and continue manipulating the system's behavior. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact vector that can be exploited through automated scanning tools or manual reconnaissance efforts.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations including updating to version 2.731 or later of the post-pay-counter plugin, which addresses the missing permission checks. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as rate limiting on administrative endpoints, enhanced monitoring of plugin-related activities, and regular security audits of installed WordPress plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and the potential consequences of neglecting authentication mechanisms in web applications. Organizations should also review their plugin management practices to ensure timely updates and maintain comprehensive inventory of all installed plugins. This incident highlights the necessity of following security best practices including input validation, proper authorization checks, and regular vulnerability assessments as outlined in various security frameworks and standards.