CVE-2023-51468 in Rencontre Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/29/2023
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in Jacques Malgrange Rencontre – Dating Site.This issue affects Rencontre – Dating Site: from n/a through 3.10.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2023-51468 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in the Rencontre – Dating Site plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through 3.10.1. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure file handling practices that can lead to severe security consequences. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate and restrict file types during the upload process, creating an avenue for malicious actors to upload potentially harmful files to the target system. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in web applications where user-generated content is permitted, as they can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code or gain unauthorized access to the underlying infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal file type restrictions by uploading files with dangerous extensions or content types that the application should not permit. This flaw typically occurs when the application relies solely on client-side validation or fails to implement proper server-side file type checking mechanisms. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct file uploads, file upload forms, or even through API endpoints that accept file submissions. The unrestricted nature of the upload means that attackers can potentially upload malicious files such as php shells, web shells, or other executable content that can be executed within the web server context, thereby providing attackers with persistent access to the compromised system.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-51468 extends beyond simple data compromise to potentially enable full system compromise and persistent access. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can achieve remote code execution, allowing them to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive user data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-434 which defines "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" as a weakness where applications allow users to upload files without proper validation, potentially leading to code execution or other security breaches. Given that this affects a dating site platform, the potential for user data exposure and privacy violations is significant, as the compromised system may contain personal information, communication logs, and other sensitive user data.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability effectively. The immediate solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrade to version 3.10.2 or later, which should contain proper file type validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement server-side file type validation that checks both file extensions and MIME types against a strict whitelist of allowed file types. The implementation of Content Security Policies and proper file upload restrictions within the web server configuration can further reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring, regular security scanning of uploaded content, and network-based intrusion detection systems to identify and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers can leverage the unrestricted upload to establish persistent access and execute malicious commands. Regular security audits and proper input validation practices should be implemented across all file upload functionalities to prevent similar issues from occurring in other parts of the application ecosystem.