Description
The File Manager Advanced Shortcode WordPress plugin through 2.3.2 does not adequately prevent uploading files with disallowed MIME types when using the shortcode. This leads to RCE in cases where the allowed MIME type list does not include PHP files. In the worst case, this is available to unauthenticated users.
EPSS Score:
65%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2023-33594
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
Vulnerability Description: The File Manager Advanced Shortcode WordPress plugin through version 2.3.2 contains a vulnerability that allows unauthenticated users to upload files with disallowed MIME types via the shortcode functionality. This can lead to Remote Code Execution (RCE) if the allowed MIME type list does not include PHP files.
Severity Evaluation:
The vulnerability has a CVSS Base Score of 9.8, which is considered critical. The CVSS vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H indicates the following:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N)
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L)
- Privileges Required (PR): None (N)
- User Interaction (UI): None (N)
- Scope (S): Unchanged (U)
- Confidentiality (C): High (H)
- Integrity (I): High (H)
- Availability (A): High (H)
This high severity score underscores the critical nature of the vulnerability, which can be exploited remotely without any special privileges or user interaction.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Unauthenticated File Upload: An attacker can exploit the vulnerability by uploading a malicious file with a disallowed MIME type, such as a PHP file, through the shortcode functionality.
- Remote Code Execution (RCE): If the uploaded file is a PHP script, the attacker can execute arbitrary code on the server, leading to full control over the affected system.
Exploitation Methods:
- Direct Exploitation: An attacker can craft a specially designed HTTP request to upload a malicious file.
- Automated Tools: Exploitation scripts and automated tools can be used to scan for vulnerable installations and exploit the vulnerability en masse.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- File Manager Advanced Shortcode WordPress plugin versions 0 through 2.3.2.
Affected Systems:
- Any WordPress installation using the vulnerable versions of the File Manager Advanced Shortcode plugin.
- Servers hosting these WordPress installations, including shared hosting environments.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Update the Plugin: Upgrade to the latest version of the File Manager Advanced Shortcode plugin that addresses the vulnerability.
- Disable the Plugin: If an update is not immediately available, consider disabling the plugin until a fix is released.
- Restrict File Uploads: Implement additional server-side controls to restrict file uploads to only allowed MIME types.
Long-Term Mitigations:
- Regular Patching: Ensure that all plugins and WordPress core are regularly updated.
- Security Plugins: Use security plugins that provide additional layers of protection, such as file integrity monitoring and malware scanning.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a WAF to filter out malicious requests and prevent unauthorized file uploads.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
Regional Impact:
- Widespread Adoption: Given the popularity of WordPress and its plugins, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to European organizations and individuals using the affected plugin.
- Data Breaches: Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential data exfiltration.
- Compliance Risks: Organizations subject to GDPR and other regulatory requirements may face compliance issues and potential fines if sensitive data is compromised.
Mitigation Efforts:
- Awareness Campaigns: Increase awareness among WordPress users and administrators about the importance of regular updates and security best practices.
- Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between security researchers, plugin developers, and hosting providers to quickly identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- CVE ID: CVE-2023-2068
- GSD ID: GSD-2023-2068
- EPSS Score: 65 (indicating a high likelihood of exploitation)
References:
Technical Recommendations:
- Code Review: Conduct a thorough code review of the plugin to identify and fix similar vulnerabilities.
- Input Validation: Implement robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized file uploads.
- Logging and Monitoring: Enhance logging and monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activities related to file uploads and plugin usage.
By addressing these points, organizations can significantly reduce the risk associated with this vulnerability and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.