CVE-2022-1577 in Database Backup for Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2022
The Database Backup for WordPress plugin before 2.5.2 does not have CSRF check in place when updating the schedule backup settings, which could allow an attacker to make a logged in admin change them via a CSRF attack. This could lead to cases where attackers can send backup notification emails to themselves, which contain more details. Or disable the automatic backup schedule
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1577 affects the Database Backup for WordPress plugin version 2.5.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of administrative operations within WordPress environments. This issue stems from the absence of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection mechanisms when processing updates to scheduled backup configurations. The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit authenticated admin sessions through maliciously crafted requests that appear legitimate to the WordPress backend system.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's failure to implement proper CSRF token validation during the modification of backup schedule settings. When administrators access the plugin's administrative interface to configure automatic backups, the system does not verify that the request originates from a legitimate administrative session. This absence of validation creates a pathway for attackers who have gained access to an authenticated admin session to manipulate backup configurations without proper authorization. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classification of CWE-352 - Cross-Site Request Forgery, which specifically addresses the lack of protection against unauthorized actions performed by authenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, potentially enabling attackers to compromise the integrity of backup operations and information security posture. An attacker could redirect backup notifications to their own email addresses, gaining access to sensitive information contained within backup files such as database credentials, user information, and potentially other confidential data. Additionally, attackers could disable automatic backup schedules, creating a window of opportunity where the system lacks automated protection mechanisms. This manipulation could lead to complete data loss scenarios if the system relies entirely on scheduled backups for recovery operations, as noted in the ATT&CK framework's T1484.001 technique for Domain Policy Modification.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites, as it only necessitates access to an authenticated admin session, which can be obtained through various means including credential theft, session hijacking, or social engineering attacks. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious web pages or email attachments that, when visited by an authenticated administrator, automatically submit requests to modify backup settings. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies, as the lack of CSRF protection in a single plugin component can compromise the entire WordPress installation's security. Organizations should consider implementing additional monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized changes to backup configurations, while also ensuring that all WordPress plugins maintain proper CSRF protection mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from compromising system integrity.