CVE-2021-24692 in Simple Download Monitor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/14/2022
The Simple Download Monitor WordPress plugin before 3.9.5 allows users with a role as low as Contributor to download any file on the web server (such as wp-config.php) via a path traversal vector.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2022
The CVE-2021-24692 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw in the Simple Download Monitor WordPress plugin affecting versions prior to 3.9.5. This security weakness allows users with minimal privileges to exploit the plugin's file download functionality and access arbitrary files on the web server. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of file paths during download operations, creating an opportunity for unauthorized data access that could lead to severe consequences for affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's download mechanism. When users with Contributor-level roles attempt to access files through the plugin's download functionality, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the file path parameters. This lack of proper validation enables attackers to manipulate the file path through specially crafted requests, potentially traversing directories and accessing sensitive files such as wp-config.php, which contains critical database credentials and cryptographic keys. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests without requiring elevated privileges beyond what is already granted to contributors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file access. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive configuration data, including database connection strings, API keys, and cryptographic secrets that could compromise the entire WordPress installation. The exposure of wp-config.php specifically provides attackers with database credentials, which could enable them to access, modify, or even delete database contents. Additionally, the ability to traverse directories means that attackers could potentially access other sensitive files such as .htaccess configurations, backup files, or other plugin configuration data that might contain further exploitable information.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it exploits the existing privilege level of users with Contributor roles. The attack chain typically involves an attacker identifying the vulnerable plugin, crafting malicious requests to traverse file paths, and then extracting sensitive information from the web server. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the plugin's security design, where privilege levels should not permit access to system files that are outside the intended scope of the plugin's functionality. Organizations using this plugin without proper updates face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediately updating the Simple Download Monitor plugin to version 3.9.5 or later, which contains proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to sensitive files, employ web application firewalls to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts, and conduct regular security audits of installed plugins. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular patch management processes should be established to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all WordPress installations.