CVE-2018-17207 in Snap Creek Duplicator
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Snap Creek Duplicator before 1.2.42. By accessing leftover installer files (installer.php and installer-backup.php), an attacker can inject PHP code into wp-config.php during the database setup step, achieving arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17207 represents a critical security flaw in Snap Creek Duplicator plugin versions prior to 1.2.42, exposing WordPress installations to arbitrary code execution risks. This issue stems from poor file management practices where installer files remain accessible after the plugin installation process has completed. The vulnerability specifically targets the database setup phase of the installation process, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to inject PHP code into the wp-config.php file, which serves as the primary configuration file for WordPress installations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a precise sequence that aligns with common web application attack patterns documented in the attack framework. An attacker must first identify the presence of leftover installer files installer.php and installer-backup.php within the WordPress directory structure, which violates standard security practices for file cleanup after installation processes. These files contain code that executes during the database setup step and can be manipulated to inject malicious PHP code into wp-config.php. The CWE-22 weakness category applies here as this represents a path traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths. The attack vector leverages the principle of least privilege violation where temporary installation files retain unnecessary access permissions and remain accessible to unauthorized users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise entire WordPress installations. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress environments where the Duplicator plugin is installed, making it a prime target for automated scanning tools that specifically look for known plugin vulnerabilities. The risk is compounded by the fact that these leftover installer files often remain accessible for extended periods, providing attackers with multiple opportunities for exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Unix Shell) and T1105 (Remote File Copy) techniques, as attackers can leverage the code execution capability to establish persistent access and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause of the insecure file handling. Organizations should upgrade to Snap Creek Duplicator version 1.2.42 or later, which implements proper file cleanup mechanisms to remove installer files after successful installation. Security administrators must also conduct comprehensive audits of their WordPress installations to identify and remove any remaining installer files that may have been overlooked during the upgrade process. Additional protective measures include implementing web server configuration rules to prevent access to sensitive file patterns such as installer.php and installer-backup.php, as well as establishing automated monitoring systems that can detect unauthorized file access attempts. The implementation of file integrity monitoring solutions can help identify when these vulnerable files are accessed or modified, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should include checks for leftover installation artifacts, ensuring compliance with security baseline requirements that mandate proper file cleanup procedures after software deployment.