WordPress AMP Security Misconfiguration Scanner

11.1 Product Overview:

WordPress AMP is a popular plugin used to create Accelerated Mobile Pages, enhancing the mobile experience by reducing load times and improving performance. It is utilized by web developers and site owners who aim to improve SEO and user engagement on mobile devices. Designed to integrate smoothly with existing WordPress sites, it facilitates the creation of streamlined mobile-compatible versions of web pages. The plugin has become essential for businesses focusing on optimizing their mobile presence. It serves a critical role in maintaining mobile-friendly standards in compliance with Google's AMP specifications. The plugin's widespread use makes it a vital component of modern web development practices.

11.2 Vulnerability Overview:

This vulnerability involves a security misconfiguration in the WordPress AMP plugin, specifically allowing unauthorized access to full path disclosures. Such disclosures can reveal sensitive information about the server's directory structure to an unauthenticated user. The exposure arises due to erroneous error handling or server misconfigurations within the plugin's files. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gather details about the system, assisting in further targeted attacks. Full path disclosure undermines the security of the web application by providing attackers with valuable insights. This misconfiguration places affected systems at increased risk of broader security breaches.

11.3 Vulnerability Details:

The vulnerability is located in several scripts within the WordPress AMP plugin, where error messages are insufficiently handled. Vulnerable endpoint paths include '/wp-content/plugins/accelerated-mobile-pages/includes/options/redux-core/framework.php' and similar. When accessed, these endpoints display error messages containing full paths due to unhandled exceptions. Parameters within these files fail to sanitize error outputs effectively, resulting in exposure. The vulnerability is triggered when the plugin errors are exposed externally due to incorrect server configurations. Unauthenticated users can exploit these endpoints as long as error reporting is enabled on the server.

11.4 Possible Effects:

If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to significant security risks such as increased susceptibility to targeted attacks. Attackers might use the disclosed paths to craft specific intrusion methods tailored to the server's exact configuration. This exposure heightens the probability of successful injections or unauthorized access attempts. Indirectly, it may also facilitate other vulnerabilities by exploiting plugins or themes based on the disclosed file structure. The overall integrity of the web application is compromised, potentially leading to data breaches or service disruptions. It is crucial for site administrators to mitigate such risks by correcting the misconfigurations.

11.5: References:

REFERENCES

• https://wordpress.org/plugins/accelerated-mobile-pages/