CVE-2019-15896 in LifterLMS Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the LifterLMS plugin through 3.34.5 for WordPress. The upload_import function in the class.llms.admin.import.php script is prone to an unauthenticated options import vulnerability that could lead to privilege escalation (administrator account creation), website redirection, and stored XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15896 resides within the LifterLMS plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions through 3.34.5. This security flaw manifests in the upload_import function located within the class.llms.admin.import.php script, creating a critical vector for unauthenticated attackers to exploit. The issue represents a significant weakness in the plugin's access control mechanisms, as it allows malicious actors to bypass authentication requirements and gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the plugin's import functionality without requiring valid user credentials, thereby undermining the fundamental security model of the WordPress platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the import process. Attackers can manipulate the upload_import function to execute malicious code through crafted import files, potentially leading to privilege escalation that enables the creation of administrator accounts. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-79, which addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway allows for arbitrary code execution within the context of the WordPress installation, providing attackers with extensive control over the affected website's functionality and data.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-15896 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables multiple attack vectors that can severely compromise website integrity and user data. Successful exploitation can result in administrator account creation, which provides attackers with complete control over the WordPress installation and all associated content. The vulnerability also permits website redirection, allowing attackers to redirect users to malicious sites for phishing or malware distribution purposes. Additionally, the stored XSS component creates persistent cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that can affect legitimate users who visit infected pages, potentially leading to session hijacking or further exploitation. These combined effects make the vulnerability particularly dangerous for educational platforms that rely on LifterLMS for course management and user authentication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from administrators to update to patched versions of the LifterLMS plugin, as version 3.34.6 and later contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious import requests, while also conducting thorough security audits of existing installations to identify any potential compromise. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting file upload capabilities to only trusted administrators and implementing strict file type validation. Security measures should also include monitoring for unauthorized administrative account creation and implementing proper access controls for import functions. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for phishing attacks, highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures that address both technical and operational aspects of the threat landscape.