CVE-2018-20714 in WooCommerce plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The logging system of the Automattic WooCommerce plugin before 3.4.6 for WordPress is vulnerable to a File Deletion vulnerability. This allows deletion of woocommerce.php, which leads to certain privilege checks not being in place, and therefore a shop manager can escalate privileges to admin.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20714 affects the Automattic WooCommerce plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 3.4.6, presenting a critical file deletion flaw within the plugin's logging system. This vulnerability operates through a path traversal or improper input validation mechanism that enables unauthorized file manipulation within the WordPress environment. The flaw specifically targets the woocommerce.php file, which serves as a critical component in the plugin's architecture and contains essential privilege management logic. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user inputs and insufficient access controls within the logging functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's file handling mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a shop manager, who typically possesses limited permissions within the WordPress admin interface, can leverage the file deletion capability to remove the woocommerce.php file from the server. This removal eliminates crucial privilege checks that would normally prevent unauthorized access to administrative functions. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-22 as a Path Traversal issue, where improper input validation allows for manipulation of file paths and subsequent deletion of critical system files. The flaw demonstrates a classic privilege escalation vector where a lower-privileged user can gain elevated access through the compromise of core system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the WordPress e-commerce platform. When the woocommerce.php file is removed, the system loses its ability to properly enforce role-based access controls, allowing shop managers to bypass authentication mechanisms and assume administrative privileges. This creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by both internal and external attackers, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and unauthorized modifications to the online store. The vulnerability affects the core integrity of WordPress user management and privilege enforcement, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users with varying permission levels exist. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where an adversary uses a known vulnerability to gain elevated privileges within a system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-20714 require immediate patching of the WooCommerce plugin to version 3.4.6 or later, which includes proper input validation and access control measures. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring of file system changes, particularly around critical plugin files, and establish regular security audits to detect unauthorized modifications. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while proper file permissions and access controls should be enforced to minimize the impact of potential breaches. Security hardening practices including disabling unnecessary administrative functions, implementing multi-factor authentication, and conducting regular security assessments will further reduce the risk exposure. Additionally, administrators should maintain up-to-date backups and establish incident response procedures to quickly address any exploitation attempts that may occur despite preventive measures.