CVE-2023-5105 in Frontend File Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2023
The Frontend File Manager Plugin WordPress plugin before 22.6 has a vulnerability that allows an Editor+ user to bypass the file download logic and download files such as `wp-config.php`
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2023
The Frontend File Manager Plugin for WordPress represents a significant security weakness that affects versions prior to 22.6, creating a critical access control bypass vulnerability. This flaw specifically targets users with Editor+ privileges, which according to wordpress security standards includes roles such as editors, authors, and contributors who typically should not have access to sensitive system files. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authorization checks within the plugin's file download functionality, allowing malicious users to circumvent normal access restrictions and gain unauthorized access to critical system configuration files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the plugin's permission validation mechanism during file download operations. When an Editor+ user attempts to download files through the frontend interface, the system should verify that the user has appropriate permissions to access the requested file. However, the flawed logic allows users to manipulate the download parameters or bypass the authorization checks entirely, enabling them to request and retrieve files that should remain protected. This weakness directly relates to CWE-284 which addresses improper access control and represents a classic case of privilege escalation through inadequate authorization enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as the ability to download wp-config.php and similar sensitive configuration files exposes critical system information including database credentials, security keys, and other sensitive parameters. This information can be exploited by attackers to gain deeper system access, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects the principle of least privilege as defined in cybersecurity best practices, where users should only have access to resources necessary for their specific role. The exposure of wp-config.php specifically violates security guidelines outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, particularly the A05:2021 - Security Misconfiguration category.
The implications for WordPress administrators and security teams are severe, as this vulnerability allows attackers with minimal privileges to escalate their access and potentially compromise entire websites. The vulnerability can be exploited through automated tools that simply manipulate the download parameters, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no advanced technical skills to exploit. Organizations running vulnerable versions of this plugin face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations depending on the nature of the exposed data.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to version 22.6 or later, where the access control bypass has been addressed through proper input validation and authorization checks. Additionally, administrators should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the frontend file manager functionality, employ web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious download requests, and conduct regular security audits of installed plugins. The remediation process should also include reviewing user roles and permissions to ensure that only trusted administrators have Editor+ privileges, while implementing monitoring for unauthorized file access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect and alert on unauthorized access to sensitive system files, aligning with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework recommendations for continuous monitoring and incident response.