CVE-2023-6750 in WP Clone Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2024
The Clone WordPress plugin before 2.4.3 uses buffer files to store in-progress backup informations, which is stored at a publicly accessible, statically defined file path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-6750 affects the Clone WordPress plugin version 2.4.2 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through improper handling of backup data storage. This flaw resides in the plugin's backup mechanism where temporary buffer files containing in-progress backup information are stored in a publicly accessible location with a statically defined file path. The issue creates a direct pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive backup data that should remain protected within the WordPress installation's secure boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper access controls and secure file storage practices. When the Clone plugin performs backup operations, it creates temporary buffer files that contain metadata and potentially sensitive information about the backup process. These files are written to a predictable file path that is accessible through the web server's document root, making them vulnerable to enumeration and direct access by malicious actors. This static path approach violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper resource isolation, allowing attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and directly access backup-related information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. An attacker who discovers the publicly accessible buffer file path can access in-progress backup information, which may include database connection details, file paths, backup timestamps, and other metadata that could aid in further exploitation. This information disclosure creates opportunities for attackers to understand the target environment's structure and identify potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability can be exploited by any user with access to the web server, including those without valid WordPress credentials, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared hosting scenarios.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which covers data from information repositories, as attackers can directly access stored backup information through the publicly accessible file paths. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the Clone plugin face significant risks including potential data breaches, system compromise, and exposure of sensitive operational information. The static nature of the file path makes this vulnerability particularly easy to exploit, as attackers need only discover the predictable location to access the sensitive buffer files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-6750 require immediate action to upgrade to version 2.4.3 or later, which addresses the insecure file storage mechanism. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including restricting access to the plugin's temporary directories, implementing proper file permissions, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block access to known vulnerable file paths. Regular security audits should verify that no sensitive data remains in publicly accessible locations and that all temporary files are properly secured during backup operations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure temporary file handling and proper access control implementation in web applications.