CVE-2023-4922 in wpb-show-core Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/27/2023
The WPB Show Core WordPress plugin through 2.2 is vulnerable to a local file inclusion via the `path` parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2023
The WPB Show Core WordPress plugin version 2.2 and earlier contains a critical local file inclusion vulnerability that exposes systems to unauthorized file access and potential remote code execution. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the plugin's handling of the `path` parameter, which allows malicious actors to manipulate file inclusion operations. The flaw exists in the plugin's core functionality where user-supplied path values are directly processed without proper sanitization or validation, creating an attack surface that could be exploited by adversaries to access sensitive files on the server. The vulnerability is classified as a local file inclusion issue under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly referred to as path traversal attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the `path` parameter in such a way that the plugin's file inclusion mechanism processes arbitrary file paths. When the plugin receives a malicious path value, it fails to validate or sanitize the input before using it in file operations, allowing attackers to traverse the file system and potentially access configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive resources. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to read files that should normally be restricted, potentially leading to credential theft, system compromise, or data exfiltration. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which involves the exploitation of vulnerabilities in remote services to gain unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that WordPress plugins often run with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to access files beyond the web root directory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it creates potential pathways for more severe security breaches. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access wp-config.php files containing database credentials, upload malicious files through compromised plugin functionality, or establish persistent access to the compromised WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using the affected plugin version, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple sites share the same hosting infrastructure. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the WPB Show Core plugin face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations, especially in environments where compliance with standards such as PCI DSS or GDPR is required. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise and potentially enabling automated exploitation at scale.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 2.3 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to plugin endpoints and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. Additional defensive measures include regular security audits of installed plugins, implementation of file integrity monitoring solutions, and ensuring that WordPress core and plugin updates are performed promptly. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls for WordPress file systems and regularly review file permissions to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameter sanitization in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines.