CVE-2022-1939 in Allow svg Files Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/20/2022
The Allow svg files WordPress plugin before 1.1 does not properly validate uploaded files, which could allow high privilege users such as admin to upload PHP files even when they are not allowed to
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1939 affects the Allow svg files WordPress plugin version 1.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that undermines the plugin's intended file validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's file upload validation process, where it fails to adequately verify the file types being uploaded to the WordPress installation. The issue arises from insufficient input sanitization and validation logic that allows malicious actors with administrative privileges to bypass the intended restrictions on file uploads.
The technical flaw stems from the plugin's improper handling of file extensions and MIME type validation during the upload process. When high privilege users such as administrators attempt to upload files, the plugin does not perform comprehensive checks to ensure that only allowed file types are accepted. This weakness enables attackers to upload PHP files disguised with svg extensions or other deceptive file naming conventions, effectively circumventing the plugin's security controls. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through the WordPress admin interface where users have sufficient privileges to upload files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides a direct path for privilege escalation and potential code execution within the WordPress environment. An attacker with administrative access can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious PHP scripts that could be executed by the web server, leading to complete compromise of the WordPress installation. This allows for data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate plugin functionality into a weapon for malicious code deployment.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability involve immediate plugin updates to version 1.1 or later where the file validation issues have been addressed. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting file upload capabilities to only essential users, implementing proper file type whitelisting, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which addresses insecure file upload handling, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of all installed plugins and ensure proper access controls are in place to minimize the risk of exploitation.