CVE-2023-6989 Scanner

The Shield Security Smart Bot Blocking & Intrusion Prevention Security plugin for WordPress is a widely used security tool designed to protect WordPress installations from various threats. Developed by getshieldsecurity, it aims to enhance website security by blocking bad bots and preventing unauthorized access attempts. WordPress users install this plugin to leverage its features for securing their websites from common vulnerabilities and exploits. The software integrates into WordPress seamlessly, offering an additional layer of security without requiring extensive configuration. It is targeted towards both individual website owners and organizations utilizing WordPress to mitigate security risks. The plugin is known for its ease of use and effectiveness in enhancing the security posture of WordPress websites.

Local File Inclusion (LFI) is a critical vulnerability that occurs when an application includes or executes files from the server file system without proper validation. It allows attackers to manipulate file paths, often enabling them to access sensitive files on the server. In the context of the Shield Security WP Plugin, this LFI vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of the render_action_template parameter. Specific optimization techniques lead attackers to exploit such weaknesses, potentially enabling unauthorized PHP file execution. The vulnerability is serious because it can lead to a full compromise of server data if not patched. Its discovery highlights the importance of comprehensive input validation in web applications.

The Shield Security WP Plugin is vulnerable through the misuse of the render_action_template parameter, which allows potential attackers to include local files. The vulnerability can be triggered by sending a crafted request to the admin-ajax.php endpoint, where the parameter points to a file path. This request's technical execution and response allow the malicious inclusion of PHP code from the server. Due to improperly sanitized input paths, attackers exploit directory traversals to reach unintended files and execute their contents. Upon successful execution, the attacker might gain unintended access or execute malicious PHP scripts on the server. The plugin's lack of expression-based navigation makes it vulnerable to such file inclusion attacks.

If the identified vulnerability is exploited, it can have significant consequences on affected systems. Malicious actors may leverage it to execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining unauthorized access to server data and commands. This may lead to the exposure of sensitive information, including system configuration files and user data. Attackers might further utilize access gained through the vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, enhancing their control over compromised systems. Such intrusions can encompass a range of malicious activities, from data extraction to further exploits reaching beyond the hosting environment. Consequently, this vulnerability poses serious security risks to organizations using the Shield Security WP Plugin.

REFERENCES

• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/a485aee7-39a0-418c-9699-9afc53e28f55/
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-6989
• https://github.com/fkie-cad/nvd-json-data-feeds