Wordpress Aspose Cloud eBook Generator Local File Inclusion Scanner

The Wordpress Aspose Cloud eBook Generator plugin is widely used by developers and site administrators for converting posts into eBooks. It is integrated into Wordpress sites to facilitate easy exporting and ebook conversion, leveraging Aspose cloud services. Suitable for content creators and online publishers, this plugin simplifies the management of textual content into various eBook formats. Its ease of installation and feature-rich approach make it a popular choice amongst Wordpress plugin users. The plugin enhances productivity for bloggers and online publishers looking to monetize or distribute content as eBooks. Additionally, its integration with cloud services offers a robust platform for generating high-quality eBooks efficiently.

Local File Inclusion (LFI) is a vulnerability that occurs when a web application includes files based on a user-supplied input, without proper validation. This vulnerability can allow attackers to access sensitive files on the server, potentially exposing critical system files or private data. LFI can be exploited to execute arbitrary code, compromise the security of a server, or steal sensitive data. As a critical security issue, it arises due to improper handling of file inclusion functionality in web applications. Handling of this vulnerability typically focuses on sanitizing and validating user inputs and employing safe coding practices. Awareness and preventive measures are crucial for developers to secure web applications against such vulnerabilities.

Technical details of the vulnerability relate to the improper handling of user input in the `aspose_posts_exporter_download` endpoint of the plugin. The vulnerable parameter `file`, by not validating file path inputs properly, allows attackers to manipulate the path and gain unauthorized access to server files. The typical attack would involve the traversal of directories using characters like `../` to reach sensitive configuration files within the Wordpress installation. Particularly, accessing critical files such as `wp-config.php` exposes database credentials and could potentially offer further avenues for attack. This vulnerability is potentiated by the failure of the system to implement adequate preventative checks on path input values.

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to severe consequences including unauthorized access to sensitive system files, exposure of database credentials, and confidential information theft. Attackers may also leverage this to pivot and undertake further malicious activities such as data exfiltration or filesystem manipulation. It opens up potential paths for further exploitation including remote code execution if other weaknesses are exploited concurrently. Especially concerning for systems involving large databases or sensitive client information, such exploitation can undermine the integrity and confidentiality of the system's data. There are broader implications of trust loss and reputational damage to the web service hosting the vulnerable plugin.

REFERENCES

• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/7866