CVE-2024-7415 in Remember Me Controls Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2024
The Remember Me Controls plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Full Path Disclosure in all versions up to, and including, 2.0.1. This is due to the plugin allowing direct access to the bootstrap.php file which has display_errors on. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to retrieve the full path of the web application, which can be used to aid other attacks. The information displayed is not useful on its own, and requires another vulnerability to be present for damage to an affected website.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2024
The CVE-2024-7415 vulnerability affects the Remember Me Controls plugin for WordPress, representing a significant security weakness that exposes system paths to unauthenticated attackers. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 2.0.1, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who have not yet updated their installations. The flaw stems from the plugin's improper handling of file access permissions, specifically allowing direct access to the bootstrap.php file through the web server. When this file is accessed directly, it executes with display_errors enabled, which is a dangerous configuration in production environments. This configuration causes the server to output detailed error messages including the full file system path where the WordPress installation resides, creating an information disclosure vulnerability that violates fundamental security principles.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's lack of proper access controls and input validation mechanisms. The bootstrap.php file serves as a critical entry point for the plugin's functionality, yet it remains accessible through direct URL requests without any authentication requirements. When an attacker accesses this file directly, the PHP configuration with display_errors set to on causes the server to reveal the complete file path where WordPress is installed, along with other potentially sensitive information. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and also relates to CWE-444, "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')." The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in web application development, particularly regarding error handling configurations and access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-7415, while not immediately catastrophic on its own, creates a dangerous foundation for more severe attacks by providing attackers with crucial system information. The full path disclosure reveals directory structures that can be used to craft more sophisticated attacks, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities such as local file inclusion or remote code execution flaws. Attackers can leverage this information to better understand the target environment, potentially identifying weak points in the file system structure or locating other vulnerable components within the same directory hierarchy. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, "File and Directory Discovery," as it provides attackers with detailed information about the file system layout. The information disclosed, while seemingly innocuous, becomes particularly dangerous when combined with other reconnaissance activities, as it can significantly reduce the attack surface analysis time required for successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7415 focus primarily on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the path disclosure issue. WordPress administrators should immediately upgrade to the latest version of the Remember Me Controls plugin where the vulnerability has been patched. Additionally, server administrators should review their PHP configurations to ensure that display_errors is disabled in production environments, as this prevents the exposure of sensitive path information in error messages. Implementing proper access controls through .htaccess files or server configuration directives can prevent direct access to plugin bootstrap files and other sensitive components. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can also help detect and block direct access attempts to known vulnerable files. Security monitoring should include checking for unauthorized access attempts to plugin files, as this vulnerability can be detected through log analysis. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper error handling configuration and access control implementation in web applications, with the principle of least privilege being essential for preventing unauthorized access to critical system information. Organizations should also implement regular security audits to identify and remediate similar path traversal and information disclosure vulnerabilities across their entire web application portfolio.