CVE-2022-1166 in JobMonster Theme
Summary
by MITRE • 04/04/2022
The JobMonster Theme was vulnerable to Directory Listing in the /wp-content/uploads/jobmonster/ folder, as it did not include a default PHP file, or .htaccess file. This could expose personal data such as people's resumes. Although Directory Listing can be prevented by securely configuring the web server, vendors can also take measures to make it less likely to happen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2022
The JobMonster WordPress theme vulnerability CVE-2022-1166 represents a critical directory traversal issue that exposes sensitive user data through improper web server configuration. This vulnerability specifically affects the /wp-content/uploads/jobmonster/ directory structure where the theme fails to implement proper access controls or default file protection mechanisms. The absence of a default PHP file or .htaccess protection creates an exploitable condition where unauthorized parties can enumerate and access files stored in this upload directory. The exposed data includes personal information such as resumes and job application materials that users have submitted through the theme's job posting functionality, creating significant privacy and data protection concerns.
This vulnerability fundamentally stems from inadequate server hardening practices and missing security controls at the filesystem level. The lack of proper directory protection mechanisms allows attackers to perform directory listing operations and gain access to sensitive files without authentication. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-548, which addresses information exposure through directory listing, and represents a failure in implementing proper access control measures for user-uploaded content. From an operational perspective, this issue creates a persistent security risk where personal data remains exposed indefinitely until proper server configuration is implemented or the theme is updated.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage for organizations using the affected theme. Attackers can systematically enumerate files in the upload directory to harvest personal information, job applications, and other sensitive documents that users have submitted through the job posting system. This creates a significant risk for organizations that handle substantial volumes of job seeker data, potentially exposing them to data breach notifications, regulatory fines, and legal liability under privacy protection frameworks such as gdpr or ccpa. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental gap in the theme's security implementation where proper access controls should have been enforced at the web server level.
Organizations can mitigate this vulnerability through multiple approaches that align with established security frameworks and best practices. Server-level remediation through proper .htaccess configuration or web server directives can prevent directory listing and restrict access to the upload directories. The implementation of proper access control mechanisms, including authentication checks for sensitive directories, should be enforced according to the principle of least privilege. Additionally, vendors should implement proper file access controls and ensure that all upload directories contain appropriate default files or security configurations that prevent unauthorized access. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security guidelines such as those outlined in the owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity framework, particularly in addressing information disclosure and access control weaknesses that can lead to data breaches and privacy violations.