CVE-2023-3025 in Dropbox Folder Share Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2023
The Dropbox Folder Share plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Server-Side Request Forgery in versions up to, and including, 1.9.7 via the 'link' parameter. This can allow unauthenticated attackers to make web requests to arbitrary locations originating from the web application and can be used to query and modify information from internal services.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3025 affects the Dropbox Folder Share plugin for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 1.9.7. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes WordPress installations to significant operational risks through a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attack vector. The vulnerability manifests through the 'link' parameter within the plugin's functionality, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially compromise internal network resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's processing logic. When the 'link' parameter is submitted through the web interface, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in server-side operations. This allows attackers to inject malicious URLs or network addresses that the web application will subsequently attempt to access on behalf of the server. The vulnerability falls under CWE-918, which specifically addresses Server-Side Request Forgery vulnerabilities where untrusted input is used to construct HTTP requests without adequate validation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe threat landscape for affected WordPress installations. Unauthenticated attackers can leverage this flaw to make arbitrary web requests from the vulnerable server, potentially accessing internal services that would normally be protected by network segmentation. The implications extend beyond simple data exfiltration, as attackers could potentially modify information within internal systems, exploit other vulnerabilities in adjacent services, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1566, which addresses credential access through social engineering or exploitation of application vulnerabilities.
The impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning given the widespread use of WordPress and the typical network architecture of web applications. WordPress installations often run with elevated privileges and may have access to internal databases, file systems, or other sensitive resources. When combined with the fact that the vulnerability affects unauthenticated access, it creates a scenario where any internet-facing WordPress site using this plugin becomes a potential target for reconnaissance and exploitation. Attackers could use this vulnerability to enumerate internal services, probe for additional vulnerabilities, or even establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the Dropbox Folder Share plugin where available, implementing network-level restrictions to prevent outbound connections from the web server to internal services, and applying proper input validation measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all user-supplied input and implementing proper access controls even for plugins that may appear benign. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for unusual outbound network requests that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of how third-party plugins can introduce critical security risks into otherwise well-protected systems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security assessments of all software components within the application stack.