CVE-2024-7315 in Migration, Backup, Staging Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2024
The Migration, Backup, Staging WordPress plugin before 0.9.106 does not use sufficient randomness in the filename that is created when generating a backup, which could be bruteforced by attackers to leak sensitive information about said backups.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7315 affects the Migration Backup Staging WordPress plugin version 0.9.106 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through predictable backup file naming mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient randomness in the filename generation process when creating backup files, which creates a predictable pattern that attackers can exploit through brute force techniques to discover and access sensitive backup data. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the plugin's security architecture, as it undermines the fundamental principle of unpredictability that should govern sensitive file naming conventions within web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the plugin's failure to employ cryptographically secure random number generation when creating backup filenames. Instead, the system likely relies on predictable patterns such as timestamps, sequential counters, or other deterministic methods that can be easily reverse-engineered or guessed by malicious actors. This weakness directly maps to CWE-330, which addresses the use of insufficiently random values, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 related to data from information repositories. The predictable nature of these filenames creates a vector for automated attacks where adversaries can systematically enumerate potential backup file names to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data including database dumps, configuration files, and potentially user credentials stored within the backup archives.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when attackers successfully access backup files containing database credentials, application secrets, or other sensitive information. The exposure of backup files through brute force attacks can result in unauthorized data access, potential data breaches, and subsequent exploitation of the compromised systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass traditional access controls and directly access sensitive information that should remain protected, making it particularly dangerous in environments where WordPress installations contain critical business or personal data. This weakness can also facilitate further attacks by providing attackers with access to system configurations, user accounts, and potentially other system components that may not be directly exposed through normal access points.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7315 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 0.9.106 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the randomization issue. Organizations should also implement additional protective measures including restricting access to backup directories through web server configuration, implementing proper file permissions, and employing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities in random number generation practices, particularly focusing on backup and export functionality. The fix should incorporate cryptographically secure random number generators that provide sufficient entropy to prevent predictable patterns, ensuring that backup filenames cannot be easily guessed or enumerated through brute force methods. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect such vulnerabilities in third-party plugins and maintain up-to-date inventories of all installed WordPress components to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.