WordPress Ad Widget Local File Inclusion Scanner
Detects 'Local File Inclusion' vulnerability in WordPress Ad Widget affects v. 2.11.0.
Short Info
Level
High
Single Scan
Single Scan
Can be used by
Asset Owner
Estimated Time
10 seconds
Time Interval
13 days 4 hours
Scan only one
URL
Toolbox
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The WordPress Ad Widget is a widely used plugin for creating and managing advertisements on WordPress sites, extensively utilized by bloggers, businesses, and developers to generate revenue through ads. It is essential for users who rely on interactive and dynamic web elements to enhance user experience and increase engagement. Given its popularity, it is crucial for developers and site administrators to ensure secure deployment and proper management. The plugin’s purpose primarily revolves around providing an easy and effective way to insert ads into different website sections. Users can configure and display various types of ads, which makes it an invaluable tool for monetizing web content. However, as with all added functionalities, there's a trade-off with potential security vulnerabilities that users must be aware of.
Local File Inclusion (LFI) is a type of vulnerability that allows attackers to include files on a server through the web browser. This vulnerability typically occurs when a web application receives input from a user and processes it without properly sanitizing it, leading to unintended file inclusion. An attacker can exploit LFI vulnerabilities to execute malicious scripts, read sensitive data, or perform arbitrary commands on the server. This can result in unauthorized access to the file system, where sensitive information might be disclosed. The risk is substantial, especially for high-traffic websites that might be targeted by attackers seeking valuable data. Proactive measures are essential to mitigate the threat of LFI vulnerabilities, ensuring a secure web environment.
The WordPress Ad Widget's vulnerability to LFI resides in how it processes user inputs in the URL, particularly in file path handling, without adequate validation. The lack of proper validation within the plugin's components allows adversaries to traverse directories and gain access to local files. The default file pathing mechanism can be manipulated by injecting path traversal sequences, culminating in the server-side inclusion of unintended files. The vulnerability exists in specific modal views where the paths are inadequately sanitized, leading attackers to retrieve sensitive system files such as /etc/passwd. The parameter parsing method exposes potential exploits, thereby emphasizing the need for careful scrutiny of external inputs.
Exploitation of LFI vulnerabilities, like the one found in the WordPress Ad Widget, can lead to severe security breaches, including unauthorized access to user data and system files. Attackers may attain elevated privileges, facilitate further infiltration, and manipulate stored information. Websites affected by LFI can suffer from data breaches, leading to compromised personal information or configuration settings. The potential damage includes disruption of service, financial loss, and tarnished reputations for those operating compromised sites. In highly sensitive environments, LFI exploitation could further be a launchpad for executing additional vulnerabilities or persistent attacks on dependent systems.
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