CVE-2023-3279 in Gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
The WordPress Gallery Plugin WordPress plugin before 3.39 does not validate some block attributes before using them to generate paths passed to include function/s, allowing Admin users to perform LFI attacks
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3279 affects the WordPress Gallery Plugin version 3.38 and earlier, representing a critical local file inclusion flaw that stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's block attribute handling mechanisms. This weakness exists in the plugin's implementation where user-supplied data is directly utilized to construct file paths without proper sanitization or validation checks, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by authenticated administrators.
The technical flaw manifests when the plugin processes block attributes that are passed to include functions, which are typically used to load and execute PHP files. In this specific case, the plugin fails to validate or sanitize the attributes before they are used to construct paths for file inclusion operations. This validation gap allows an authenticated attacker with administrative privileges to manipulate the block attributes in such a way that they can traverse the file system and include arbitrary files, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially executing malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables authenticated administrators to perform local file inclusion attacks, which can lead to arbitrary code execution, data exfiltration, and potential system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive files, including configuration files, database credentials, and other system resources that should remain protected. The attack vector requires administrative access, but once achieved, the attacker can escalate their privileges and gain full control over the WordPress installation and potentially the underlying server.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Additionally, this flaw maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting through the use of PowerShell or other scripting languages, as the exploitation involves manipulating script execution through file inclusion mechanisms. The security implications extend beyond simple file access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access.
Organizations should immediately update to version 3.39 or later of the WordPress Gallery Plugin to remediate this vulnerability. The update addresses the insufficient input validation by implementing proper sanitization and validation of block attributes before they are used in file inclusion operations. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits, monitoring for unusual file access patterns, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all WordPress installations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege, as it requires administrative access to exploit, but the potential impact of such exploitation makes it critical to address promptly.