CVE-2022-0779 in User Meta Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2022
The User Meta WordPress plugin before 2.4.4 does not validate the filepath parameter of its um_show_uploaded_file AJAX action, which could allow low privileged users such as subscriber to enumerate the local files on the web server via path traversal payloads
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2022
The CVE-2022-0779 vulnerability resides within the User Meta WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.4.4. This security flaw represents a critical path traversal vulnerability that undermines the plugin's input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests in the um_show_uploaded_file AJAX action where the filepath parameter undergoes insufficient validation, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized access to the underlying file system. The issue fundamentally stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing file operations, which constitutes a direct violation of secure coding practices and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation as categorized by CWE-20.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables low-privileged users, particularly subscribers who typically possess minimal permissions within WordPress environments, to perform directory traversal attacks against the web server. Attackers can craft malicious path traversal payloads that bypass normal file access controls and enumerate local files on the server. This capability extends beyond simple file listing to potentially expose sensitive information such as configuration files, database credentials, or other system files that could further aid in compromising the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates through the AJAX interface, which often runs with elevated privileges or access patterns that differ from standard user interactions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where subscriber accounts might be compromised or where social engineering attacks could be employed.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for WordPress installations using the affected plugin, as it effectively provides unauthorized access to the server's file system without requiring administrative privileges or complex exploitation techniques. The implications extend to potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and subsequent attack vectors that could lead to full system compromise. Organizations relying on WordPress for content management and user interaction face immediate security concerns, particularly in environments where subscriber accounts are publicly accessible or where user registration is enabled. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing), as it enables both automated reconnaissance and potential social engineering attacks that could leverage the discovered information.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrade to User Meta plugin version 2.4.4 or later, which implements proper input validation and sanitization for the filepath parameter. Additionally, administrators should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to AJAX endpoints where possible, and consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns or attempts to enumerate server directories through the AJAX interface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege, as it allows users with minimal permissions to escalate their access and potentially compromise the entire system. Organizations should also conduct thorough security audits of all WordPress plugins to identify similar validation issues and ensure that all user-supplied inputs are properly sanitized before processing.