CVE-2019-14205 in Adaptive Images Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
A Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Nevma Adaptive Images plugin before 0.6.67 for WordPress allows remote attackers to retrieve arbitrary files via the $REQUEST['adaptive-images-settings']['source_file'] parameter in adaptive-images-script.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2023
The CVE-2019-14205 vulnerability represents a critical local file inclusion flaw within the Nevma Adaptive Images WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.6.67. This vulnerability resides in the adaptive-images-script.php file and exploits a parameter named $REQUEST['adaptive-images-settings']['source_file'] which allows remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating an avenue for malicious actors to access arbitrary files on the server hosting the vulnerable WordPress installation. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to potentially access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, and other system resources that should remain protected.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic local file inclusion pattern where attacker-controlled input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing a crafted path in the source_file parameter, the plugin processes this input without adequate sanitization, leading to unintended file access. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable plugin endpoint, where the malicious payload can include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ../../ to navigate the file system and access files outside the intended scope. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input validation and access control mechanisms that should prevent arbitrary file access.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-14205 extends beyond simple file disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information from the WordPress installation and underlying server environment. Attackers could access wp-config.php files containing database credentials, user authentication details, and other configuration parameters that would allow for further exploitation and system compromise. The vulnerability also provides access to plugin-specific files that may contain additional sensitive data or implementation details that could be leveraged for additional attacks. This access could facilitate privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and potentially lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the server or local network access, as the vulnerability can be exploited through web-based attacks from any location with internet access. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where WordPress installations are publicly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14205 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 0.6.67 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent malicious file path manipulation. Administrators should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including validating and sanitizing all user-supplied input before processing. The implementation of proper access controls and file permission settings can limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious patterns in HTTP requests targeting known vulnerable endpoints. Security hardening practices including disabling unnecessary file access permissions, implementing proper logging and monitoring, and conducting regular security audits should be implemented to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all WordPress plugins and themes updated, as outdated components often contain unpatched security vulnerabilities that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to systems. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their WordPress installations.