CVE-2017-6816 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
In WordPress before 4.7.3 (wp-admin/plugins.php), unintended files can be deleted by administrators using the plugin deletion functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6816 represents a critical access control flaw in WordPress versions prior to 4.7.3 that specifically affects the plugin deletion functionality within the administrative interface. This issue resides in the wp-admin/plugins.php file where administrators can inadvertently delete files that are not intended for removal through the standard plugin deletion process. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and authorization checks that allow malicious or unauthorized file operations when administrators interact with the plugin management system.
This vulnerability operates through a path traversal or improper file validation mechanism that enables attackers with administrator privileges to manipulate the plugin deletion process. When administrators attempt to delete plugins, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the file paths being targeted for deletion, potentially allowing the removal of arbitrary files from the WordPress installation directory. The technical implementation flaw occurs because the deletion function does not adequately verify that the files being targeted are actually part of the intended plugin structure, opening the door for unintended file removal operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6816 extends beyond simple unauthorized file deletion, as it can lead to complete system compromise and service disruption. An attacker with administrative access could leverage this vulnerability to remove critical system files, core WordPress components, or other essential plugins that maintain system functionality. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can be categorized under CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-79 Cross-Site Scripting, as it enables unauthorized file operations that can result in complete system compromise. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers can execute commands through manipulated file operations.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe because WordPress administrators typically have elevated privileges and full access to the system. This makes the attack surface significantly larger, as any compromised administrative account could be exploited to cause widespread damage. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that are commonly found in web applications and can be addressed through proper parameter sanitization and access control enforcement. Organizations running vulnerable WordPress installations face potential data loss, system instability, and complete service disruption if this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6816 require immediate patching of WordPress installations to version 4.7.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the plugin deletion functionality. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as regular security audits, monitoring of administrative activities, and implementation of file integrity monitoring solutions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control mechanisms and input validation in web applications, as outlined in the OWASP Top 10 security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and additional logging mechanisms to detect and prevent unauthorized file deletion attempts. The fix for this vulnerability specifically addresses the improper file path validation in the plugin management interface, ensuring that only legitimate plugin files can be targeted for deletion operations.