CVE-2022-0863 in WP SVG Icons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2022
The WP SVG Icons WordPress plugin through 3.2.3 does not properly validate uploaded custom icon packs, allowing an high privileged user like an admin to upload a zip file containing malicious php code, leading to remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
The WP SVG Icons WordPress plugin version 3.2.3 and earlier contains a critical security vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation during the upload process for custom icon packs. This flaw represents a classic path traversal and code execution vulnerability that directly impacts the plugin's ability to sanitize user-supplied content. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's file handling mechanism where it fails to properly validate or sanitize the contents of zip archives uploaded by users. Attackers with administrative privileges can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious zip files containing php scripts that bypass the plugin's intended security controls. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's icon pack import functionality where it extracts and processes zip archives without sufficient validation of the contained files. This allows for arbitrary code execution on the target WordPress installation, as the malicious php code gets processed and executed within the web server context. The flaw demonstrates a failure in implementing proper file type validation, content sanitization, and secure file handling practices that are fundamental to preventing malicious file uploads. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires only administrative access, which is often a privileged position within WordPress environments. This makes the attack vector particularly dangerous as administrators typically have elevated permissions and access to sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's improper handling of zip file extraction operations where it does not validate file paths, file types, or content within the archive before processing. When an administrator uploads a custom icon pack zip file, the plugin extracts the contents without performing adequate checks on the extracted files. The vulnerability specifically arises from the lack of proper file extension filtering, directory traversal prevention, and content type validation. According to CWE-434, this represents a weakness where the application accepts untrusted data and processes it without sufficient validation, leading to potential code execution. The vulnerability allows attackers to upload php files that get executed as part of the plugin's normal operation, creating a persistent backdoor or execution channel. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for 'Application Deployment Software Injection' where adversaries establish persistence by injecting malicious code into legitimate applications. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the attacker to have administrative privileges within the WordPress environment, which typically provides access to the plugin management interface. The attack chain involves uploading the malicious zip file, extracting the contents, and then executing the php code through the plugin's normal processing flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include full system compromise and potential data breaches. An attacker with administrative access can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious tools within the compromised WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using the affected plugin version, making it a widespread concern for site administrators. The execution of malicious php code can lead to various secondary effects including data exfiltration, server compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. Organizations may experience service disruption, data loss, or unauthorized access to sensitive information depending on the malicious code's intended purpose. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to WordPress site integrity and can be used to deface websites or install additional malware. The impact is particularly severe in multi-site environments or when the compromised WordPress installation serves as a central hub for other applications or services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate plugin updates to version 3.2.4 or later where the validation issues have been addressed. System administrators should implement comprehensive file upload restrictions and validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or applications. The principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit administrative access and reduce the attack surface. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify and remediate similar validation weaknesses. Organizations should implement web application firewalls and file integrity monitoring to detect and prevent malicious file uploads. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary plugin functionality, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, and maintaining up-to-date security patches. Security configurations should include strict file type validation, directory traversal prevention, and content scanning for uploaded files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing and code review practices for third-party plugins, particularly those handling user-supplied content. Regular security training for administrators should emphasize the risks associated with plugin vulnerabilities and the importance of timely patch management. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their entire application portfolio.