CVE-2022-0687 in Amelia Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2022
The Amelia WordPress plugin before 1.0.47 stores image blobs into actual files whose extension is controlled by the user, which may lead to PHP backdoors being uploaded onto the site. This vulnerability can be exploited by logged-in users with the custom "Amelia Manager" role.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2022
The CVE-2022-0687 vulnerability resides within the Amelia WordPress plugin, a popular scheduling and booking solution that has been widely adopted across various web platforms. This particular flaw represents a critical security oversight that directly impacts the plugin's file handling mechanisms and poses significant risks to WordPress installations. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.0.47 and specifically targets the plugin's image upload functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on compromised systems. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's core codebase, allowing attackers to manipulate file extensions during the upload process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a user-controlled file extension manipulation attack vector that bypasses standard security measures implemented by WordPress and the hosting environment. When users with the "Amelia Manager" role upload images, the plugin accepts and processes the file extension provided by the user without proper validation or sanitization. This creates an opportunity for attackers to upload PHP files with extensions that appear legitimate but are actually malicious backdoors. The vulnerability specifically enables attackers to store image blobs as PHP files, effectively transforming the plugin's upload functionality into a code execution mechanism. This flaw operates under the weakness category of CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without proper validation of their content or type.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0687 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised WordPress installation. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to establish backdoors that can be used for ongoing unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and further attack propagation within the network. The "Amelia Manager" role represents a significant attack surface since it typically grants administrative privileges over booking and scheduling functions, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to gain deeper system access. This vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users who have legitimate access to the WordPress site but with limited permissions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by insiders or compromised accounts. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for "Server Software Component" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts" as it exploits legitimate user privileges to achieve malicious objectives.
Organizations and system administrators should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by updating the Amelia plugin to version 1.0.47 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additional mitigations should include implementing strict file type validation, restricting upload permissions to minimal required roles, and monitoring file upload activities for suspicious patterns. Security controls should be implemented at multiple layers including web application firewalls, file integrity monitoring, and regular security audits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as it highlights how seemingly benign functionality can become a critical attack vector when proper security controls are not implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates of all third-party plugins and themes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited.