CVE-2017-18604 in sitebuilder-dynamic-components Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The sitebuilder-dynamic-components plugin through 1.0 for WordPress has PHP object injection via an AJAX request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18604 affects the sitebuilder-dynamic-components plugin version 1.0 or earlier within the WordPress ecosystem. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes WordPress sites to potential exploitation through improperly validated input handling. The vulnerability specifically manifests within the plugin's AJAX request processing mechanism, where user-supplied data is not adequately sanitized or validated before being processed. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject serialized PHP objects through crafted HTTP requests, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which describes "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a fundamental weakness in software design. The plugin fails to implement proper input validation and sanitization measures when handling AJAX requests, creating an attack surface where serialized PHP objects can be manipulated by unauthorized users. When the plugin processes these requests, it deserializes user-controllable data without sufficient security controls, enabling attackers to construct malicious objects that can be executed within the WordPress environment. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected WordPress installations. Successful exploitation could result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, defacement of websites, or deployment of malware. The vulnerability affects all WordPress sites running the vulnerable plugin version, regardless of hosting environment or additional security measures. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, modify website content, steal sensitive information, or use compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the deserialization flaw. System administrators must ensure that all WordPress installations maintain current plugin versions and implement comprehensive security monitoring. The remediation process should include thorough vulnerability scanning to identify affected systems, followed by immediate patching or removal of the vulnerable plugin. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, restricting AJAX request capabilities, and establishing robust input validation controls. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for WordPress installations and regularly audit plugin configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of their web applications. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure deserialization practices in web application development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution through PHP object injection attacks.