CVE-2018-20626 in Consumer Reviews Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Scripts Mall Consumer Reviews Script 4.0.3 has directory traversal via a direct request for a listing of an uploads directory such as the wp-content/uploads/2018/12 directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20626 affects the PHP Scripts Mall Consumer Reviews Script version 4.0.3, presenting a critical directory traversal flaw that enables unauthorized access to sensitive system files. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file path parameters within the script's directory listing functionality. The flaw specifically manifests when a direct request is made for a listing of the uploads directory, such as wp-content/uploads/2018/12, allowing attackers to navigate through the file system beyond the intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the script's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input that determines which directory to list or access. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application processes these inputs without adequate validation, resulting in the exposure of files and directories that should remain protected. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to potentially access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, and other system resources that may contain confidential information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential gateway for further exploitation within the affected system. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access not only publicly available files but potentially sensitive data that could include user credentials, application configuration details, or even system-level files that could compromise the entire server environment. In the context of the WordPress ecosystem, this vulnerability becomes particularly concerning as it targets the wp-content/uploads directory, which often contains user-uploaded files that may include malicious payloads or sensitive data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through path traversal, where adversaries can move laterally through the file system to discover and access restricted resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-20626 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict path validation that prevents any traversal sequences from being processed, ensuring that all directory access requests are validated against a whitelist of allowed paths. Additionally, the application should employ proper access controls that restrict directory listing capabilities to authorized users only, and implement proper file system permissions that prevent unauthorized access to sensitive directories. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability, as the script vendor has likely released updates to resolve the path traversal issue. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious directory traversal attempts, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web applications. The implementation of web application firewalls and security headers can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks, while proper security training for developers can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code implementations.