How to remediate – WordPress Database Repair Enabled

1. Introduction

WordPress Database Repair Enabled refers to the presence of functionality within a WordPress installation that allows for database repair operations. This can expose information about the database schema, potentially aiding attackers in planning further attacks against the web application and its data. Affected systems are typically publicly accessible WordPress websites. A successful exploit could lead to data breaches or website defacement.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability occurs when the WP_ALLOW_REPAIR parameter is set in the wp-config.php file, enabling database repair features through a web interface. This allows an attacker to potentially view database table structures and execute repair commands. The primary risk is information disclosure about the database schema.

• Root cause: Incorrect configuration of the wp-config.php file allowing database repair functionality.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker accesses a specific URL (typically /wp-admin/maint/repair.php) to view database information or attempt repairs, potentially revealing schema details.
• Scope: WordPress installations with the WP_ALLOW_REPAIR parameter enabled in their wp-config.php file.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming vulnerability involves checking for the presence of the configuration setting. A thorough method includes reviewing the wp-config.php file directly.

• Quick checks: Check the wp-config.php file for the line define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16398 can identify this vulnerability, but results should be manually verified.
• Logs and evidence: Web server logs may show access to /wp-admin/maint/repair.php if the feature is enabled and accessed.

grep -i "WP_ALLOW_REPAIR" /path/to/wordpress/wp-config.php

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

Removing the parameter from the configuration file disables the repair functionality, mitigating the risk.

4.1 Preparation

• Back up the wp-config.php file before making any changes. Stopping web services is not usually required for this change.
• Dependencies: Ensure you have access to edit the wp-config.php file. A roll back plan involves restoring the original backup of wp-config.php if issues occur.
• Change window needs are minimal, but approval may be needed depending on internal policies.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Open the wp-config.php file in a text editor.
2. Step 2: Locate the line containing define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);.
3. Step 3: Remove or comment out this line (e.g., change to // define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);).
4. Step 4: Save the changes to the wp-config.php file.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);

After

// define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Security misconfiguration is a common issue. Regular configuration reviews and least privilege principles can help prevent this type of vulnerability.

• Practice 1: Regularly review WordPress configurations for unnecessary features or insecure settings.
• Practice 2: Implement the principle of least privilege, limiting access to sensitive files like wp-config.php.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

Automating this fix is possible with configuration management tools, but requires careful testing.

# Example Ansible task - use with caution!
- name: Remove WP_ALLOW_REPAIR from wp-config.php
  lineinfile:
    path: /path/to/wordpress/wp-config.php
    regexp: '^define\('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true\);$'
    state: absent
  notify: Restart web server # if required by your setup

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by checking that the parameter is no longer present in wp-config.php and attempting to access the repair page.

• Post-fix check: Run grep -i "WP_ALLOW_REPAIR" /path/to/wordpress/wp-config.php; it should return no output.
• Re-test: Repeat the initial detection method (checking wp-config.php) to confirm the parameter is removed.
• Smoke test: Verify that standard WordPress functionality, such as posting and viewing pages, continues to work normally.
• Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for access attempts to /wp-admin/maint/repair.php; these should not occur after remediation.

grep -i "WP_ALLOW_REPAIR" /path/to/wordpress/wp-config.php

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Regular security baselines, automated configuration checks, and patch management can prevent this issue. For example, use a CIS benchmark for WordPress configurations.

• Baselines: Update your WordPress security baseline to include the removal of WP_ALLOW_REPAIR.
• Pipelines: Integrate static analysis tools into your CI/CD pipeline to detect insecure configuration settings in wp-config.php.
• Asset and patch process: Review WordPress configurations periodically as part of a regular asset management cycle.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Removing the parameter should not cause service disruption. However, if database repairs were in progress, they will be interrupted.

• Risk or side effect 1: Interruption of any ongoing database repair operations.
• Risk or side effect 2: None expected.
• Roll back: Restore the original backup of the wp-config.php file if issues occur.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://wordpress.org/support/article/editing-wp-config-php/#automatic-database-optimizing
• NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE is associated with this configuration issue.
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: https://wordpress.org/support/article/editing-wp-config-php/