How to remediate – WP Source Control Plugin for WordPress Directory Traversal

1. Introduction

The WP Source Control Plugin for WordPress Directory Traversal vulnerability is a flaw in a PHP script that allows an attacker to read files on the web server without needing permission. This matters because it could allow confidential data to be stolen, website content altered, or systems compromised. Systems running vulnerable versions of the WP Source Control Plugin are affected. A successful exploit could lead to loss of confidentiality, integrity and availability of files on the server.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability occurs because the ‘downloadfiles/download.php’ script does not properly check user-supplied input in the ‘path’ parameter. This allows an attacker to use directory traversal sequences (like ‘../’) within the path, potentially accessing files outside of the intended directory. The CVE for this issue is CVE-2014-5368.

• Root cause: Missing sanitisation of user input in the ‘path’ parameter of the downloadfiles/download.php script.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to downloadfiles/download.php with a malicious ‘path’ value containing directory traversal sequences. For example, requesting /wp-content/plugins/wp-source-control/downloadfiles/download.php?path=../../../../etc/passwd could attempt to read the /etc/passwd file.
• Scope: WordPress websites using WP Source Control Plugin versions prior to a fix (specific affected versions are not detailed in the provided context).

3. Detection and Assessment

You can check if your system is vulnerable by identifying the plugin version or looking for suspicious requests in logs.

• Quick checks: Check the WordPress plugins list within the admin interface to see if WP Source Control Plugin is installed, and note its version number.
• Scanning: Nessus vulnerability ID 69278 may detect this issue. This is an example only; results should be verified.
• Logs and evidence: Examine web server access logs for requests to /wp-content/plugins/wp-source-control/downloadfiles/download.php with unusual ‘path’ parameters containing ‘../’ or similar sequences.

# Example command placeholder:
# No specific command available in the provided context. Check WordPress admin interface for plugin version.

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

Unfortunately, a solution is currently unknown at this time. The following steps outline preparatory actions should a fix become available.

4.1 Preparation

• Call out dependencies or pre-requisites: Ensure you have access to the WordPress admin interface and file system. A roll back plan involves restoring from the earlier backup.
• Mention change window needs and who should approve: Schedule a maintenance window for this update, as it may require website downtime. Approval from a senior IT administrator is recommended.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Once a patch or updated plugin version is released, download it from the official WP Source Control Plugin source.
2. Step 2: Back up the existing WP Source Control Plugin directory.
3. Step 3: Replace the existing plugin files with the new patched version via FTP or the WordPress admin interface (Plugins -> Add New -> Upload Plugin).

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

# No code example available in provided context. This vulnerability relates to improper input sanitisation within the PHP script.

After

# No code example available in provided context. A patched version will include proper input validation for the 'path' parameter.

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help prevent this type of issue.

• Practice 2: Least privilege reduces the impact if an attacker gains access; ensure web server processes have only the necessary permissions to function.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

No suitable automation script is available based on the provided context.

# No automation code available in the provided context.

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm that the fix works by checking the plugin version and attempting a test request.

• Post-fix check: Verify the WP Source Control Plugin version number is updated to the patched release within the WordPress admin interface.
• Re-test: Attempt to access files using directory traversal sequences in the ‘path’ parameter of downloadfiles/download.php; confirm that access is denied.
• Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for any further attempts to exploit the vulnerability (requests to /wp-content/plugins/wp-source-control/downloadfiles/download.php with suspicious parameters).

# Post-fix command and expected output
# No specific command available, check WordPress admin interface for updated version number.

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Implement security baselines to prevent similar issues.

• Baselines: Update your WordPress security baseline to include requirements for regular plugin updates and vulnerability scanning.
• Pipelines: Integrate SAST (Static Application Security Testing) tools into your development pipeline to identify input validation flaws early in the process.
• Asset and patch process: Implement a regular patch review cycle for all WordPress plugins, ideally within 72 hours of a security release.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Updating plugins can sometimes cause compatibility issues.

• Risk or side effect 2: Website downtime is possible during the update process; schedule maintenance windows accordingly.
• Roll back: Restore from the backup taken prior to the update if any issues occur. This will revert the website to its previous state.

8. References and Resources

Links related to this specific vulnerability.

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: No vendor advisory available in provided context.
• NVD or CVE entry: CVE-2014-5368
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: No specific documentation available in provided context.