CVE-2024-13541 in aDirectory Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2025
The aDirectory – WordPress Directory Listing Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized loss of data due to a missing capability check on the adqs_delete_listing() function in all versions up to, and including, 2.3. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to delete arbitrary posts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2025
The aDirectory WordPress plugin presents a critical authorization vulnerability that undermines the security model of WordPress installations. This vulnerability exists within the adqs_delete_listing() function, which fails to properly validate user permissions before executing deletion operations. The flaw affects all plugin versions up to and including 2.3, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who have not yet updated their installations. The vulnerability specifically targets the capability check mechanism that should prevent unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper capability verification within the plugin's core functions. When an authenticated user with Subscriber-level privileges attempts to delete a listing through the adqs_delete_listing() function, the plugin does not verify whether the user possesses sufficient permissions to perform such an operation. This missing validation creates a privilege escalation path where lower-privileged users can execute administrative functions typically restricted to higher-level roles. The vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor access control implementation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress sites using the aDirectory plugin. An attacker with Subscriber-level access can leverage this flaw to delete arbitrary posts, potentially causing data loss, disruption of services, and compromise of site integrity. The impact extends beyond simple data deletion as it allows for potential information disclosure through the removal of content that might contain sensitive data or reveal site structure. This vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors who have gained access to subscriber accounts through various means such as credential theft, social engineering, or other attack vectors.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-863, which addresses "Incorrect Authorization" issues in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the authorization principles that should govern all web application components. From the ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078.004, which covers "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts," as it allows attackers with legitimate but low-privilege accounts to perform actions beyond their intended access level. The exploitation of this vulnerability also relates to T1485, "Data Destruction," as the ability to delete arbitrary posts constitutes a form of data destruction that can severely impact site functionality and user experience.
Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of the aDirectory plugin where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper capability checks. Additionally, administrators should implement network monitoring to detect unusual deletion patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should include regular security audits of installed plugins, implementation of role-based access controls, and consideration of additional security layers such as web application firewalls. Security teams should also review user access permissions to ensure that only necessary users have subscriber-level access, reducing the attack surface for such vulnerabilities.