CVE-2022-45374 in YARPP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/17/2024
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in YARPP allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects YARPP: from n/a through 5.30.4.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2025
The CVE-2022-45374 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw in the YARPP (Yet Another Related Posts Plugin) WordPress plugin, which operates under the CWE-22 weakness category. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that is used to construct file paths within the plugin's functionality. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate file access requests by exploiting improper limitation of pathname to restricted directories, effectively bypassing intended security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized access to system files. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the plugin processes user input without adequate filtering, enabling attackers to navigate the file system beyond the intended restricted directories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the PHP code of YARPP where file inclusion functions are called with user-controllable parameters that are not properly validated. When the plugin handles requests for related posts or related content, it may accept file paths or identifiers that are directly incorporated into file system operations without proper sanitization. This creates a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) condition where attackers can specify arbitrary file paths that the system attempts to process. The vulnerability affects all versions of YARPP from the initial release through version 5.30.4, indicating a prolonged exposure window where the security flaw remained unaddressed. The attack vector typically involves manipulating URL parameters or form inputs that are then processed by the plugin's file handling routines, potentially allowing access to sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system through the exploitation of PHP file inclusion mechanisms. An attacker could potentially leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive files, upload malicious payloads, or establish persistent access to the compromised WordPress installation. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that WordPress plugins often run with elevated privileges and may have access to database connections and system resources. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the WordPress database, modify content, or even compromise the entire web server. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for 'Obfuscated Files or Information' and T1213.002 for 'Data from Information Repositories' as it enables unauthorized data extraction and system compromise through manipulated file access patterns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-45374 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that have addressed the path traversal vulnerability, as patched versions typically implement proper input validation and sanitization measures. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures including restricting file permissions on WordPress installations, implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The remediation process should include disabling or removing vulnerable plugins until patches are applied, and monitoring system logs for any suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in other plugins or components. The fix typically involves implementing proper input validation that checks for directory traversal sequences such as '../' or '..\\' and ensuring that all file operations occur within designated safe directories.