CVE-2024-8743 in Bit File Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/05/2024
The Bit File Manager – 100% Free & Open Source File Manager and Code Editor for WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Limited JavaScript File Upload in all versions up to, and including, 6.5.7. This is due to a lack of proper checks on allowed file types. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, and granted permissions by an administrator, to upload .css and .js files, which could lead to Stored Cross-Site Scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8743 affects the Bit File Manager plugin for WordPress, a widely used file management and code editing solution that claims to be 100% free and open source. This plugin serves as a critical interface for WordPress administrators and users to manage files and edit code directly within their WordPress environment. The vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 6.5.7, representing a significant security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The flaw lies in the plugin's insufficient validation mechanisms for file type restrictions during the upload process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust in file extensions.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and file type filtering within the plugin's upload functionality. Specifically, the system fails to properly verify the actual content of uploaded files, relying instead on superficial extension checks that can be easily bypassed. Attackers with subscriber-level access or higher can leverage this weakness to upload javascript and css files that would otherwise be restricted. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications fail to validate file types properly, and represents a classic example of improper input validation in web applications. The lack of proper content-type checking and file signature verification creates a dangerous gap in the security posture of affected WordPress installations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it enables stored cross-site scripting attacks through the upload of malicious javascript files. When authenticated users with subscriber privileges or higher upload these files, they can potentially execute arbitrary javascript code within the context of other users' browsers. This creates a persistent threat that can affect any user who views the uploaded content, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability extends beyond simple file upload restrictions as it allows for the execution of malicious scripts that can persist across user sessions and potentially escalate to more severe attacks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments, though in this case the attack vector involves legitimate user permissions rather than social engineering.
The security implications extend to the broader WordPress ecosystem, as compromised file managers can serve as footholds for attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within the affected systems. Once a malicious javascript file is uploaded and executed, attackers can potentially access other files, modify content, or even gain administrative control over the WordPress installation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file validation in web applications and highlights the risks associated with plugins that handle user file uploads without adequate security controls. Organizations using this plugin should immediately implement mitigations to prevent unauthorized file uploads and protect against potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it a significant risk for WordPress installations where user permissions are not properly managed.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected plugin to the latest version that addresses the file type validation issue, along with implementing additional security measures such as restricting file upload capabilities to administrators only, implementing more robust file content validation, and monitoring upload activities for suspicious patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file uploads, as well as conducting regular security audits of WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against file upload-based attacks that can lead to persistent security breaches.