CVE-2018-5290 in GD Rating System Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The GD Rating System plugin 2.3 for WordPress has Directory Traversal in the wp-admin/admin.php panel parameter for the gd-rating-system-transfer page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2019
The GD Rating System plugin version 2.3 for WordPress contains a critical directory traversal vulnerability that affects the administrative interface of the platform. This flaw exists within the wp-admin/admin.php panel when processing requests to the gd-rating-system-transfer page, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The vulnerability allows attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the panel parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and system compromise.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's administrative code, where user-supplied parameters are directly processed without proper authorization checks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the WordPress admin panel, which typically requires elevated privileges to access, yet the flawed implementation allows for path traversal attacks that can bypass normal access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially enable attackers to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other critical system information stored on the server. In a compromised environment, this vulnerability could facilitate further attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or even full system compromise. The attack vector is relatively straightforward since it requires only a malicious request to the affected admin page with crafted parameters, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise.
Security professionals should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the GD Rating System plugin where the vulnerability has been patched, applying proper input validation and sanitization measures, and implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation in administrative interfaces and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers could potentially leverage this weakness to execute further malicious activities. Organizations should also conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes that may be susceptible to path traversal attacks.
Additional protective measures include implementing strict file access controls, monitoring administrative access logs for suspicious activity, and ensuring that WordPress core, plugins, and themes are regularly updated to address known security vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the critical need for robust input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application development, particularly within administrative interfaces where sensitive operations are performed. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors in the wild.