CVE-2014-5181 Scanner

The Last.fm Rotation Plugin is a popular add-on used by WordPress site administrators to integrate Last.fm functionalities into their websites. It simplifies the process of displaying listeners' statistics, favorite tracks, and other music-related widgets on personal or business WordPress sites. Your typical WordPress site owner, looking to engage audiences through music, may utilize this plugin to provide a richer user experience by integrating music streaming services. However, like many third-party plugins, it introduces potential security risks if not properly maintained or updated. This plugin has a history of vulnerabilities, particularly when linked with older versions of WordPress, which can expose sites to potential exploitation.

Path Traversal vulnerabilities allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to files on the server hosting the affected software. In the case of the Last.fm Rotation Plugin, this vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input, which allows directory traversal sequences. Such vulnerabilities can lead to disclosure of sensitive information, modification of server contents, and other malicious activities if exploited. Detection of this vulnerability is crucial as it can have ramifications for the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.

Technical details of the Path Traversal vulnerability in the Last.fm Rotation Plugin involve the 'snode' parameter in 'lastfm-proxy.php'. By manipulating this parameter to include directory traversal sequences (such as '../'), attackers can navigate outside the intended directory and access restricted files on the server. A common demonstration involves reading the '/etc/passwd' file, showing the exploitable nature when appropriate controls are not enforced. Ensuring parameters are sanitized and validated is essential to prevent such exploitations.

If left unaddressed, exploitation of this Path Traversal vulnerability can result in unauthorized file access. Attackers might retrieve sensitive configuration files, including those containing credentials, which could lead to full control over the affected system. Additionally, it poses risks for defacements, data breaches, and server-side logic alterations. All these effects negatively impact the site's reputation and can cause significant operational disturbances.

REFERENCES

• https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2014-5181