CVE-2019-25213 in Advanced Access Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2024
The Advanced Access Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Read in versions up to, and including, 5.9.8.1 due to insufficient validation on the aam-media parameter. This allows unauthenticated attackers to read any file on the server, including sensitive files such as wp-config.php
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The Advanced Access Manager plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25213, affecting versions up to and including 5.9.8.1. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's handling of the aam-media parameter, creating an exploitable condition that permits unauthorized file access. The flaw exists within the plugin's media file retrieval mechanism, where user-supplied parameters are not properly sanitized or validated before being processed. Attackers can leverage this weakness to traverse the file system and access arbitrary files on the affected WordPress installation without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability represents a significant bypass of the plugin's intended access controls, as it allows attackers to circumvent the normal authentication requirements that should protect sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of the aam-media parameter within the plugin's file reading functionality. When an attacker submits a malicious value for this parameter, the plugin fails to validate the input against a whitelist of acceptable file paths or perform proper path traversal checks. This allows attackers to construct file paths that reference system files outside the intended media directory. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories. The flaw essentially transforms the plugin's legitimate media access functionality into a vector for arbitrary file disclosure, potentially exposing critical system information including database configuration files, user credentials, and other sensitive data.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-25213 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php. This file typically contains database credentials, security keys, and other critical configuration parameters that could enable further attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to database connection details, potentially allowing them to directly access the WordPress database and extract user information, content, or modify the site's functionality. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that any visitor to the compromised site could exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for high-traffic WordPress installations. This vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially discover other system files, configuration details, and sensitive data that could be used for privilege escalation or additional exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-25213 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the vulnerability, as the developers have released patches to resolve the insufficient input validation issue. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to prevent external access to the plugin's vulnerable endpoints when immediate updates are not feasible. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns, particularly attempts to access system configuration files or files outside the normal media directories. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that the WordPress installation has minimal file system permissions, preventing attackers from accessing files beyond the web root when exploitation occurs. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules to block path traversal attempts and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. This vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper access controls in WordPress plugin development, particularly when handling file system operations.