CVE-2017-2217 in Download Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in WordPress Download Manager prior to version 2.9.51 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via unspecified vectors.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2217 represents a critical open redirect flaw within the WordPress Download Manager plugin, affecting versions prior to 2.9.51. This security weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate user redirection flows by exploiting unspecified vectors within the plugin's codebase. The vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of URL parameters that control redirection behavior, creating a pathway for malicious actors to craft deceptive links that appear legitimate to end users while directing them to unauthorized destinations.
This open redirect vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to insert malicious URLs into redirection parameters without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw typically manifests when the plugin processes user-supplied input that influences where users are redirected after certain actions such as downloading files or accessing protected content. The technical implementation likely involves insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly filter or encode user-provided URLs before they are used in redirect operations. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-601 which specifically addresses URL redirect vulnerability patterns where applications redirect users to external sites without proper verification. The flaw creates an environment where attackers can construct malicious URLs that appear to originate from trusted domains, making them particularly effective for social engineering and phishing campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2217 extends beyond simple redirection, as it provides attackers with a vector for conducting sophisticated phishing attacks against WordPress site visitors. When users click on maliciously crafted download links or access protected content, they are unknowingly redirected to attacker-controlled websites that can mimic legitimate services to harvest credentials or install malware. The vulnerability affects any WordPress installation using the affected plugin version, creating widespread exposure across numerous websites that rely on the download manager functionality for file distribution. This poses significant risks to organizations that use the plugin for legitimate file sharing while simultaneously creating opportunities for attackers to exploit user trust in the platform. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many WordPress sites use this plugin for business-critical file distribution, making the potential for credential theft or malware delivery substantial.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the WordPress Download Manager plugin to version 2.9.51 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent unauthorized redirection. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures such as URL validation at the web application firewall level, monitoring for suspicious redirection patterns, and implementing proper input sanitization controls. Network administrators should consider deploying content security policies that restrict redirect behaviors and regularly audit plugin configurations to ensure no unauthorized modifications have occurred. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that legitimate redirection functionality remains operational while the vulnerability is addressed. Security teams should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred prior to patching, as the open redirect vulnerability could have been leveraged for credential harvesting or malware distribution. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1566 which covers phishing techniques, specifically targeting the initial access phase through deceptive redirect mechanisms that bypass user security awareness. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous redirection patterns and establish incident response procedures to handle potential exploitation attempts that may involve credential theft or data exfiltration activities.