1. Introduction
The Ajax Pagination (twitter Style) Plugin for WordPress is affected by a local file inclusion vulnerability. This means an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary PHP scripts on your web server, gaining control of the website and its data. This affects websites running vulnerable versions of the plugin. A successful exploit could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability occurs because the plugin doesn’t properly sanitize user input to the ‘loop’ parameter in the ‘/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php’ script. This allows an attacker to include arbitrary local files on the server, leading to remote code execution. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this issue.
- Root cause: Failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input to the ‘loop’ parameter in ‘/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php’.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker sends a crafted request with a malicious file path in the ‘loop’ parameter, causing the server to include and execute that file. For example, an attacker could attempt to include /etc/passwd or other sensitive files.
- Scope: WordPress websites using the Ajax Pagination (twitter Style) plugin.
3. Detection and Assessment
To confirm if your system is vulnerable, check the installed plugins and their versions. You can also scan for specific signatures related to this vulnerability.
- Quick checks: Check the WordPress admin panel under ‘Plugins’ for the presence of “Ajax Pagination (twitter Style) Plugin”. Note the version number.
- Scanning: Nessus, OpenVAS and other scanners may have a signature for CVE-2014-398. Example ID 66526.
- Logs and evidence: Examine web server access logs for requests to ‘/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php’ with suspicious ‘loop’ parameters.
# No command available for direct detection, check plugin version in WordPress admin panel.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
Currently, there is no known solution at this time. However, disabling the plugin will prevent further exploitation. Monitor security advisories for updates or patches from the plugin developer.
4.1 Preparation
- Change windows are not required for this remediation step. Approval is not needed unless a specific change management policy requires it.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
- Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Plugins’ section.
- Step 3: Locate “Ajax Pagination (twitter Style) Plugin”.
- Step 4: Click ‘Deactivate’.
4.3 Config or Code Example
No config or code changes are required for this remediation step.
Before
N/A - Plugin is activeAfter
Plugin is deactivated.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this type of vulnerability. Least privilege limits the impact if exploited, and input validation blocks unsafe data from reaching your applications.
- Practice 1: Implement least privilege for WordPress users and processes.
- Practice 2: Enforce strict input validation on all user-supplied data to prevent malicious code injection.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No automation is available at this time.
N/A - No automation script available.5. Verification / Validation
Confirm the fix by verifying that the plugin is deactivated and no longer accessible. Re-test by attempting to access the vulnerable endpoint with a malicious payload. Perform a smoke test of key website functionality to ensure it remains operational.
- Post-fix check: Verify in WordPress admin panel under ‘Plugins’ that “Ajax Pagination (twitter Style) Plugin” is listed as deactivated.
- Re-test: Attempt to access ‘/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php’ with a malicious ‘loop’ parameter; the request should fail or return an error.
- Smoke test: Test key website pages and functionality, such as posting comments or browsing content, to ensure they work correctly.
# No command available for direct verification, check plugin status in WordPress admin panel.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
- Baselines: Update WordPress security baseline to require regular plugin updates and vulnerability scans.
- Pipelines: Add SAST (Static Application Security Testing) tools to your CI/CD pipeline to detect vulnerable code in plugins.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Disabling the plugin may break website functionality that relies on it. Re-enabling the plugin will restore its features but also reintroduce the vulnerability until a patch is available.
- Risk or side effect 2: Users may lose access to features provided by the plugin.
- Roll back: Step 1: Log in to your WordPress admin panel. Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Plugins’ section. Step 3: Locate “Ajax Pagination (twitter Style) Plugin”. Step 4: Click ‘Activate’.
8. References and Resources
Refer to official advisories and trusted documentation for more information about this vulnerability.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2014/Mar/398
- NVD or CVE entry: N/A
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: N/A