CVE-2023-5816 in Code Explorer Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
The Code Explorer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary external file reading in all versions up to, and including, 1.4.5. This is due to the fact that the plugin does not restrict accessing files to those outside of the WordPress instance, though the intention of the plugin is to only access WordPress related files. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access, to read files outside of the WordPress instance.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The Code Explorer plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability that allows authenticated administrators to perform arbitrary external file reading operations. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.4.5, creating a significant risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the plugin's file handling functionality, which fails to properly restrict file access to only WordPress-related directories and files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's inability to properly sanitize and validate file paths provided by users. When an administrator interacts with the plugin's file reading functionality, the system processes file requests without adequate restrictions on the file system paths that can be accessed. This design flaw creates a path traversal condition where malicious file paths can be constructed to access files outside of the intended WordPress installation directory. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only administrator-level access, which is often already granted to users with significant system privileges within WordPress environments.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers with administrative access to extract sensitive information from the underlying server environment. The attacker can potentially read configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other sensitive data that may be stored outside the WordPress directory structure. This capability significantly expands the attack surface beyond what would normally be considered secure within a WordPress installation, potentially exposing critical system information that could be used for further exploitation or lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component, representing a classic case of inadequate input validation and access control. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1566 Phishing with Malicious Attachments, as it enables attackers to gather information about the target system and potentially extract sensitive files. The impact is particularly severe because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can provide attackers with extensive system information that could be leveraged for additional attacks.
Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of the Code Explorer plugin where this vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any other plugins that may have similar access control flaws. Implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential damage from such vulnerabilities, while regular monitoring of file access patterns can help detect unauthorized file reading attempts. The recommended mitigation strategy includes not only patching the specific vulnerability but also implementing comprehensive file access controls and regularly reviewing plugin permissions to ensure that only necessary files can be accessed through web interfaces.