CVE-2019-14206 in Adaptive Images Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
An Arbitrary File Deletion vulnerability in the Nevma Adaptive Images plugin before 0.6.67 for WordPress allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via the $REQUEST['adaptive-images-settings'] parameter in adaptive-images-script.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2020
The CVE-2019-14206 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary file deletion flaw within the Nevma Adaptive Images WordPress plugin, affecting versions prior to 0.6.67. This vulnerability exposes WordPress installations to remote code execution and complete system compromise through a carefully crafted malicious request that leverages improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw resides in the adaptive-images-script.php file where the plugin fails to properly sanitize or validate the $REQUEST['adaptive-images-settings'] parameter, creating a path traversal and file manipulation attack vector that can be exploited by remote unauthenticated attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's insecure handling of user-supplied input within the adaptive-images-script.php file. When the plugin processes the adaptive-images-settings parameter, it directly uses this input to construct file paths without adequate validation or sanitization measures. This design flaw allows attackers to manipulate the parameter to specify arbitrary file paths that the plugin attempts to delete, effectively bypassing normal file system access controls and permissions. The vulnerability specifically enables attackers to target files within the WordPress installation directory structure, potentially leading to deletion of critical system files, configuration files, or even the complete WordPress core files.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-14206 extends beyond simple file deletion, as it provides attackers with a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within compromised WordPress environments. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to delete essential plugin files, configuration files, or even core WordPress components, leading to complete site compromise or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command) categories, which classify it as a path traversal and command injection vulnerability. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1485 (Data Destruction) tactics, as attackers can execute destructive operations through the compromised plugin interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14206 require immediate action including upgrading to the patched version 0.6.67 or later of the Nevma Adaptive Images plugin. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to plugin files and consider implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block malicious parameter manipulation attempts. Additional defensive measures include regular security audits of WordPress plugins, implementation of file integrity monitoring systems, and ensuring proper file permissions are maintained throughout the WordPress installation directory. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper access control mechanisms in web applications, particularly within content management systems where plugins often have elevated privileges and direct file system access capabilities.