Altair WordPress theme Directory Listing due to Insecure Default Configuration Scanner

The Altair WordPress theme is widely used by bloggers and site developers for creating visually appealing websites. It is a popular theme within the WordPress community because of its flexibility and ease of customization. Many users utilize this theme for personal blogs, corporate sites, and portfolio presentations to showcase their work. WordPress theme designers and developers frequently employ Altair to facilitate rapid deployment of stylish sites. Altair is often preferred in situations where aesthetics and user interface are a priority, ensuring that the content is presented engagingly. However, like many themes, Altair must be configured properly to avoid security issues.

Directory listing vulnerabilities occur when server directories and their contents are accessible to users, which can expose sensitive information. This particular vulnerability is due to insecure default configurations in the Altair WordPress theme that permits directory listings. Unauthorized users could view and potentially access files that should be secured, posing a risk to site integrity and data privacy. Such vulnerabilities are often overlooked during setup but can represent a significant flaw if left unchecked. They arise mainly from misconfigured web servers, allowing directory content to be displayed without restriction. Timely identification of this issue is crucial for maintaining site security and protecting user data.

Technically, this vulnerability emerges when an HTTP GET request to specific directories within the Altair theme returns a status code of 200, along with the content that contains phrases like "Index of". These parameters and endpoints are vulnerable as they reveal directory structures, which can be exploited by attackers. Certain directories within the Altair WordPress theme, such as "/wp-content/themes/altair/modules/" and "/wp-content/themes/altair/functions/", are particularly prone to such exposure. By detecting these directory indices, potential attackers could locate and exploit valuable information stored within these directories. Ensuring directories do not present listings is a key step in securing the site against unauthorized access.

If exploited, directory listing vulnerabilities could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive site data, including configuration files, backup files, and other proprietary content. These details could aid in further attacks on the site, such as information disclosure or more sophisticated infiltration. Exposure of directories might also unveil sensitive plugin or theme information, leading to other forms of exploitation. Overall, this vulnerability could undermine user trust and compromise site security. In worst-case scenarios, attackers might leverage gained information for malicious purposes, potentially leading to data breaches or unauthorized data manipulation.