CVE-2022-3124 in Frontend File Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/03/2022
The Frontend File Manager Plugin WordPress plugin before 21.3 allows any unauthenticated user to rename uploaded files from users. Furthermore, due to the lack of validation in the destination filename, this could allow allow them to change the content of arbitrary files on the web server
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2022
The Frontend File Manager Plugin for WordPress represents a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3124, affecting versions prior to 21.3. This vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and input validation mechanisms within the plugin's file management functionality, creating a significant attack surface for unauthenticated threat actors. The flaw specifically targets the plugin's ability to handle file renaming operations, which should typically be restricted to authenticated users with appropriate permissions. However, the vulnerability allows any visitor to the website to manipulate file names and potentially execute arbitrary file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a fundamental flaw in the plugin's permission model where the rename functionality does not properly verify user authentication status or authorization levels. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specific requests to the plugin's file management endpoints, bypassing normal security controls that would typically restrict such operations to registered users or administrators. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous due to the absence of proper validation on destination filenames, which allows attackers to specify paths that point to arbitrary files on the web server filesystem. This lack of input sanitization creates a path traversal condition that can be leveraged to overwrite critical system files or inject malicious content into existing files.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-3124 extends beyond simple file renaming capabilities, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the WordPress installation and potentially the entire web server. An attacker could use this vulnerability to modify core WordPress files, plugin files, or even database configuration files, leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically targeting improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to perform privileged operations. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it enables attackers to perform operations that would typically require valid user credentials, and T1490 Inhibit System Recovery, as it allows modification of critical system files that could prevent normal system operation.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe in environments where WordPress installations are not properly secured or regularly updated. The lack of authentication checks combined with insufficient input validation creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and potentially gain shell access to the underlying server. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the Frontend File Manager Plugin face significant risk of data loss, service disruption, and potential complete system compromise. The vulnerability also increases the attack surface for more sophisticated attacks, as attackers can use the initial compromise to establish persistent access or deploy additional malicious payloads. Mitigation efforts should focus on immediate patching to version 21.3 or later, implementing additional network-level controls, and conducting thorough security audits of affected systems to ensure no unauthorized modifications have occurred.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web applications, particularly in content management systems where plugins can significantly expand attack surfaces. The flaw serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party components and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions. Organizations should implement regular vulnerability scanning procedures and establish robust patch management processes to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or components. The security community should also consider this vulnerability when evaluating the overall security posture of WordPress installations and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against similar access control bypass scenarios.