CVE-2024-10092 in Download Monitor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2024
The Download Monitor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the ajax_handle_api_key_actions function in all versions up to, and including, 5.0.12. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to revoke existing API keys and generate new ones.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-10092 affects the Download Monitor plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 5.0.12. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of API key management within the plugin's administrative functionality. The issue stems from a fundamental lack of proper access control validation within the ajax_handle_api_key_actions function, which serves as a critical interface for managing API keys. The absence of capability checks means that any authenticated user within the WordPress system can exploit this vulnerability regardless of their specific user role permissions.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation of user permissions within the plugin's AJAX handling mechanism. When the ajax_handle_api_key_actions function processes requests related to API key management, it fails to verify whether the requesting user possesses the appropriate administrative privileges required to modify API keys. This missing capability check creates an unauthorized access vector that allows attackers with subscriber-level access or higher to perform administrative actions typically restricted to users with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically enables the manipulation of API keys through two primary actions: revocation of existing keys and generation of new ones, both of which can severely compromise the security posture of systems relying on the plugin's download monitoring capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it allows attackers to effectively take control of API key management functions within the Download Monitor plugin. An authenticated attacker with subscriber-level privileges can systematically revoke legitimate API keys, rendering existing integrations and automated download processes ineffective, while simultaneously generating new keys that can be used for malicious purposes. This capability provides attackers with persistent access to download resources and potentially enables them to bypass security controls that depend on API key authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the administrative level of the plugin's functionality, allowing attackers to manipulate core security elements without triggering typical security alerts or requiring additional privileges.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials. The lack of proper capability checks creates a path for privilege escalation and unauthorized data modification, making it a significant concern for WordPress administrators who rely on the Download Monitor plugin for managing file downloads and access control. Organizations using affected plugin versions face risks including data integrity compromise, unauthorized access to protected downloads, and potential exploitation for further attacks within their WordPress environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper access controls and capability checks in all administrative functions, particularly those involving sensitive data management and authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-10092 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the missing capability check in the ajax_handle_api_key_actions function. WordPress administrators must ensure that all users with access to the system maintain appropriate privilege levels and that role-based access controls are properly configured to limit access to administrative functions. Regular security audits should be conducted to verify that all plugin components properly implement access control mechanisms, and monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual API key activity. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing additional security layers such as two-factor authentication and regular API key rotation to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining current plugin versions and conducting thorough security assessments of all WordPress plugins to prevent similar access control flaws from compromising system security.