CVE-2022-1392 in Videos Sync PDF Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/25/2022
The Videos sync PDF WordPress plugin through 1.7.4 does not validate the p parameter before using it in an include statement, which could lead to Local File Inclusion issues
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1392 affects the Videos sync PDF WordPress plugin version 1.7.4 and earlier, presenting a critical local file inclusion risk due to improper input validation. This flaw resides in the plugin's handling of the p parameter within an include statement, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate file inclusion operations and potentially access sensitive system files. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear lack of proper sanitization and validation mechanisms that should be implemented when processing user-supplied input in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to validate or sanitize the p parameter before incorporating it into an include statement. This parameter is likely used to determine which PDF file or resource to process, but without proper validation, an attacker can manipulate this input to reference arbitrary files on the server. The flaw directly maps to CWE-22, known as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which specifically addresses the insecure handling of file paths and inclusion operations. When the plugin processes the p parameter through an include statement, it executes the file inclusion operation without adequate checks to prevent directory traversal or arbitrary file access attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can enable attackers to achieve unauthorized access to sensitive files on the WordPress server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to read configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive information stored on the server. The vulnerability also provides opportunities for further exploitation, including potential code execution or privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. This type of vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or when the WordPress installation has elevated privileges, as it may allow attackers to access files outside the intended plugin scope.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters before they are used in file inclusion operations. The plugin should enforce strict parameter validation to ensure that only legitimate file paths are accepted, rejecting any input that attempts to traverse directories or reference unauthorized files. Organizations should immediately update to the patched version of the Videos sync PDF plugin or implement temporary workarounds such as restricting file inclusion operations through server configuration changes. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when handling file operations in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection and T1566 for malicious file execution.