CVE-2020-8772 in InfiniteWP Client Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The InfiniteWP Client plugin before 1.9.4.5 for WordPress has a missing authorization check in iwp_mmb_set_request in init.php. Any attacker who knows the username of an administrator can log in.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2024
The InfiniteWP Client plugin for WordPress represents a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8772, affecting versions prior to 1.9.4.5. This vulnerability stems from a fundamental missing authorization check within the plugin's codebase, specifically in the iwp_mmb_set_request function located in the init.php file. The flaw creates a significant backdoor that allows unauthorized attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain administrative access to WordPress sites. The vulnerability operates under the principle that an attacker only needs to know a valid administrator username to exploit the system, making it particularly dangerous as it reduces the attack surface from full authentication bypass to simple username enumeration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability places the responsibility of authorization validation in the wrong location within the plugin architecture. The iwp_mmb_set_request function fails to verify that the requesting user possesses proper authorization before processing administrative requests, creating an implicit trust model that should never be present in security-critical components. This missing authorization check directly violates the principle of least privilege and authorization enforcement, which are fundamental concepts in secure software development. The vulnerability manifests as a classic authorization bypass where the system assumes valid credentials without proper verification, enabling attackers to perform administrative actions under the guise of legitimate administrators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over compromised WordPress installations. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can modify content, install malicious plugins, change user permissions, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised site as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its ease of exploitation, as attackers only need to know a valid administrator username, which can often be obtained through simple enumeration techniques or social engineering attacks. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to automated attack tools and increases the potential for widespread compromise across multiple WordPress installations.
Security professionals should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version 1.9.4.5 or later, which addresses the missing authorization check in the plugin's core functionality. Additional defensive measures include implementing strong access controls, monitoring for unauthorized administrative activities, and conducting thorough security audits of all installed plugins to identify similar authorization flaws. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-863, which specifically addresses "Incorrect Authorization" issues in software systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, potentially enabling further lateral movement and persistence within compromised environments. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based detection mechanisms to identify unusual patterns of administrative requests that might indicate exploitation attempts.