CVE-2024-0983 in ImageRecycle PDF & Image Compression Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/29/2024
The ImageRecycle pdf & image compression plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the enableOptimization function in all versions up to, and including, 3.1.13. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to enable image optimization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The ImageRecycle pdf & image compression plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-0983, which stems from an insufficient capability check within the enableOptimization function. This flaw exists across all plugin versions up to and including 3.1.13, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to manipulate plugin configurations without proper authorization. The vulnerability specifically targets the authorization mechanisms that should prevent users from modifying core plugin functionality, thereby undermining the security model of the WordPress platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the absence of proper capability validation within the enableOptimization function, which operates without verifying whether the requesting user possesses the necessary permissions to modify optimization settings. This missing capability check represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege, as defined in the CWE-284 weakness category, where an attacker with minimal privileges can execute actions that should be restricted to administrators or higher-level users. The flaw allows any authenticated user with subscriber-level access or above to enable image optimization features that could potentially alter how media files are processed and stored within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as enabling image optimization can affect the entire media processing pipeline of a WordPress site. Attackers could potentially manipulate how images are compressed, resized, or otherwise modified, leading to unintended consequences such as reduced image quality, altered file sizes, or even potential denial of service conditions if maliciously configured optimization parameters are applied. This capability also opens doors for more sophisticated attacks where attackers might use the optimization features as a vector for further exploitation, particularly if the optimization process involves file system operations or external service calls. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor for attackers to modify plugin behavior, which could be leveraged for data integrity compromise or as a stepping stone for privilege escalation within the WordPress environment.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest plugin version where the capability check has been properly implemented, reviewing user roles and permissions to ensure minimal necessary access levels, and conducting thorough security audits of all installed plugins. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1078 credential access sub-technique, where attackers leverage insufficient access controls to gain expanded capabilities. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unauthorized changes to plugin configurations and unusual optimization activities, while administrators should consider implementing additional access controls such as two-factor authentication and regular security scanning of WordPress installations to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities across the platform ecosystem.