CVE-2017-18586 in insert-pages Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The insert-pages plugin before 3.2.4 for WordPress has directory traversal via custom template paths.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18586 affects the insert-pages plugin for WordPress versions prior to 3.2.4, presenting a critical directory traversal flaw that enables unauthorized access to sensitive files and system resources. This vulnerability specifically manifests through custom template paths within the plugin's functionality, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to manipulate file access patterns and potentially extract confidential data from the server.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's template handling mechanisms. When users provide custom template paths, the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs, allowing attackers to craft malicious path sequences that can traverse directories beyond the intended scope. This flaw operates at the core level where file system operations are performed without proper boundary checks, enabling attackers to access files that should remain restricted.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations using the affected plugin version. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other sensitive data stored on the server. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through the acquisition of administrative credentials or access to backend management interfaces. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the widespread use of WordPress and its plugins, making affected systems prime targets for automated exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This classification emphasizes the fundamental flaw in input validation and access control mechanisms that permit unauthorized file system access. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of files and directories, and T1566, covering credential access through various methods including file system exploitation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress plugins often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to insert-pages plugin version 3.2.4 or later to address this vulnerability, as the patch implements proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additional mitigation strategies include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts, restricting file system permissions for WordPress installations, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can also help detect exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated plugin to ensure compatibility with existing website functionality while maintaining security posture against similar vulnerabilities.