CVE-2024-6210 in Duplicator Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2024
The Duplicator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to information exposure in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.9. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to obtain the full path to instances, which they may be able to use in combination with other vulnerabilities or to simplify reconnaissance work. On its own, this information is of very limited use.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The Duplicator plugin for WordPress presents a significant information disclosure vulnerability that affects all versions up to and including 1.5.9. This weakness stems from the plugin's improper handling of sensitive path information within its codebase, creating an exposure that allows unauthenticated attackers to obtain the full server path to WordPress installations. The vulnerability operates by exposing internal filesystem paths through specific API endpoints or administrative interfaces that lack proper access controls or sanitization mechanisms. Such path disclosure represents a foundational security issue that can serve as a reconnaissance vector for attackers seeking to understand the underlying system architecture and potentially identify additional attack surfaces.
This information exposure vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which addresses the disclosure of internal implementation information, and demonstrates how seemingly minor code flaws can create substantial security implications. The affected plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize user input within its path resolution mechanisms, allowing attackers to craft requests that reveal the complete server path structure. The exposed paths typically contain sensitive information about the WordPress installation directory, including database connection details, file locations, and potentially the exact server configuration. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to gather intelligence that can be leveraged in subsequent exploitation phases, even though the direct impact of path disclosure alone remains limited.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple reconnaissance activities, as attackers can use the exposed paths to craft more sophisticated attacks against the target system. The information obtained through this vulnerability can be combined with other exploits to create more effective attack vectors, particularly when combined with directory traversal or file inclusion vulnerabilities. The exposure allows attackers to understand the exact filesystem layout and potentially identify weak points in the server configuration or other software components. This reconnaissance capability can significantly reduce the time and effort required for attackers to develop successful exploitation strategies against the WordPress installation. The vulnerability also affects the principle of least privilege, as it provides unauthorized access to system information that should remain protected within the application's internal processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of the Duplicator plugin to versions that address the path disclosure issue. System administrators should prioritize updating to the latest available version of the plugin, as the vulnerability has been identified and remediated in subsequent releases. Network-level defenses can include implementing web application firewalls that monitor for suspicious path traversal patterns or excessive path information exposure. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any other plugins or themes that might be exposing similar information. The remediation process should also include reviewing server configurations to ensure that error messages and system responses do not inadvertently reveal internal path information. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate attempts to exploit path disclosure vulnerabilities, as outlined in the attack patterns documented within the MITRE ATT&CK framework for reconnaissance activities.