CVE-2020-24142 in Video Downloader for TikTok Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/07/2021
Server-side request forgery in the Video Downloader for TikTok (aka downloader-tiktok) plugin 1.3 for WordPress lets an attacker send crafted requests from the back-end server of a vulnerable web application via the njt-tk-download-video parameter. It can help identify open ports, local network hosts and execute command on services
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw in the Video Downloader for TikTok WordPress plugin version 1.3, which exposes web applications to significant security risks through improper input validation. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the njt-tk-download-video parameter, allowing attackers to manipulate backend server requests and potentially gain unauthorized access to internal network resources. The flaw enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities by identifying open ports and local network hosts, while simultaneously providing opportunities for command execution on underlying services, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input without adequate sanitization. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-918, which describes server-side request forgery vulnerabilities where attackers can manipulate server-side requests to target internal resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal network security controls by leveraging the plugin's video download functionality as a proxy mechanism. When the njt-tk-download-video parameter receives crafted input, the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize the request destination, enabling attackers to redirect requests to internal network addresses or services. This creates a pathway for attackers to enumerate internal network topology, identify running services on internal hosts, and potentially execute arbitrary commands on vulnerable services that are not directly exposed to the internet. The attack vector specifically targets the plugin's handling of external resource requests, where it should validate that requests are directed only to legitimate external endpoints rather than internal network resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full network reconnaissance capabilities and potential command execution on internal services. Attackers can use this vulnerability to map internal network structures, identify vulnerable internal services, and potentially establish persistence within the network through command execution on compromised services. The vulnerability's severity is amplified because it allows attackers to leverage the web application's legitimate network access to probe internal systems that would otherwise be protected by firewalls or other network security controls. This creates a significant risk for organizations where the WordPress application has access to internal services, as the vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor for internal network reconnaissance and exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all parameters that handle external resource requests, particularly within the plugin's video download functionality. Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of the Video Downloader for TikTok plugin once available, as the vulnerability has likely been addressed in newer releases through proper parameter validation and request destination restrictions. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit the web application's access to internal network resources, preventing the exploitation of such vulnerabilities from escalating to internal network compromise. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with specific rules to block suspicious requests targeting internal network addresses and establishing monitoring for unusual outbound requests from the web application can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of validating all external resource requests and implementing principle of least privilege access controls for web applications that process user input, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.