CVE-2020-36728 in Adning Advertising Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/07/2023
The Adning Advertising plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to file deletion via path traversal in versions up to, and including, 1.5.5. This allows unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files which can be used to reset and gain full control of a site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2023
The Adning Advertising plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2020-36728, which stems from improper input validation and inadequate file handling mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. This vulnerability specifically affects versions up to and including 1.5.5, making it a significant concern for WordPress site administrators who have not yet updated their installations. The flaw exists in the plugin's file management functionality where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being used in file operations, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables path traversal attacks through the manipulation of file paths in the plugin's request handling. Attackers can construct malicious requests that exploit the lack of proper path validation, allowing them to traverse directory structures and delete arbitrary files on the web server. This path traversal mechanism bypasses normal access controls and file system restrictions, enabling attackers to target critical system files, configuration files, or even the plugin's own files that could lead to complete site compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can send malicious requests to the affected WordPress site.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file deletion, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise WordPress installations. By deleting essential files such as plugin files, theme files, or even core WordPress components, attackers can render sites inoperable or create conditions that allow for privilege escalation. The vulnerability can be exploited to delete authentication files, configuration settings, or other critical system components that would enable attackers to reset administrator credentials or gain persistent access to the platform. This creates a pathway for attackers to establish backdoors, install malware, or completely takeover the affected WordPress site, potentially leading to data breaches, defacement, or use as a launching point for further attacks against the broader network infrastructure.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE-22 weakness category, which specifically addresses path traversal vulnerabilities in software systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers may use the compromised system to establish persistent access and execute commands. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including immediate plugin updates to versions that address this vulnerability, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block path traversal attempts, and conducting comprehensive security audits of their WordPress installations. Additionally, administrators should review file permissions and implement proper access controls to minimize the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while monitoring for suspicious file deletion activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping all WordPress plugins and themes updated, as well as implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous file system activities indicative of path traversal attacks.