CVE-2022-3416 in WPtouch Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2023
The WPtouch WordPress plugin before 4.3.45 does not properly validate images to be uploaded, allowing high privilege users such as admin to upload arbitrary files on the server even when they should not be allowed to (for example in multisite setup)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2023
The WPtouch WordPress plugin vulnerability CVE-2022-3416 represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of WordPress multisite environments. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 4.3.45 and specifically targets the plugin's image upload validation mechanism. The flaw allows high privilege users, particularly administrators, to bypass intended file upload restrictions and execute arbitrary file uploads on the server. This issue is particularly dangerous in multisite configurations where multiple sites share a single WordPress installation and strict access controls are essential for maintaining security boundaries between different sites and users.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of uploaded image files within the WPtouch plugin's upload handling code. The plugin fails to implement adequate sanitization and validation checks that would normally prevent non-image files from being uploaded to the server. This validation failure occurs during the file upload process where the plugin should verify that uploaded files conform to expected image formats and reject any files that do not meet these criteria. The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation that should have been implemented to ensure only legitimate image files are accepted, thereby preventing malicious file uploads that could contain executable code or other harmful content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, creating potential pathways for remote code execution and persistent malware deployment. When administrators upload files through the vulnerable plugin, they inadvertently allow arbitrary code execution on the server, which can lead to complete system compromise. In multisite environments, this vulnerability becomes even more dangerous as it could enable an attacker to upload malicious files that persist across multiple sites within the same WordPress installation. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles such as least privilege and defense in depth, as it allows users with administrative privileges to bypass intended security boundaries and restrictions.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to WPtouch plugin version 4.3.45 or later, which includes proper file validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities can provide additional layers of defense. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar validation flaws that could compromise system integrity and security posture in multi-tenant environments.