CVE-2022-4931 in BackupWordPress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2023
The BackupWordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to information disclosure in versions up to, and including 3.12. This is due to missing authorization on the heartbeat_received() function that triggers on WordPress heartbeat. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level permissions and above to retrieve back-up paths that can subsequently be used to download the back-up.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2023
The BackupWordPress plugin for WordPress presents a critical information disclosure vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4931 affecting versions up to and including 3.12. This vulnerability stems from insufficient authorization controls within the plugin's heartbeat_received() function which operates in conjunction with WordPress heartbeat functionality. The heartbeat mechanism is designed to maintain user sessions and synchronize data between the WordPress admin interface and the server, but in this case it fails to properly verify user permissions before exposing sensitive backup path information. The flaw specifically targets authenticated attackers who possess subscriber-level permissions or higher, demonstrating how privilege escalation can occur through seemingly innocuous administrative functions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control and represents a significant security weakness in the plugin's permission model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the heartbeat_received() function which lacks proper authorization checks before returning backup path information. When authenticated users with subscriber permissions or higher interact with the WordPress heartbeat mechanism, the function inadvertently exposes directory paths where backup files are stored. This information disclosure creates a direct pathway for attackers to map the backup storage structure and subsequently download backup archives containing potentially sensitive site data including database contents, uploaded files, and configuration settings. The vulnerability exploits the trust model between WordPress and its heartbeat system, where legitimate administrative functionality becomes a vector for unauthorized information retrieval. Attackers can leverage this information to construct targeted attacks against the backup files, potentially leading to complete site compromise through database extraction or file manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-4931 extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating a foundation for more severe attacks within WordPress environments. Once attackers obtain backup paths, they can systematically enumerate backup files and potentially access multiple backup versions, leading to exposure of historical site data and configurations. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites using BackupWordPress plugin, where the backup functionality is commonly used for site restoration and data protection. The exposure of backup paths enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly target backup archives, which often contain complete site snapshots including user credentials, database structures, and potentially sensitive business or personal data. The vulnerability also impacts the overall security posture of WordPress installations by weakening the defense-in-depth principles that should protect backup systems from unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-4931 require immediate action to address the authorization gap within the BackupWordPress plugin. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the latest version of the plugin where the vulnerability has been patched and proper authorization controls have been implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring of heartbeat functionality to detect unusual patterns of backup path access. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by restricting access to backup directories through firewall rules and web server configurations. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all WordPress plugins to identify similar authorization flaws and ensure proper permission verification throughout administrative functions. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security practices and the necessity of validating all administrative interfaces for proper access controls, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1213 which covers data from information repositories and the broader principle of maintaining secure administrative interfaces as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks.