WordPress ChurcHope Theme Local File Inclusion Scanner

WordPress ChurcHope Theme is widely used by churches and community organizations to create compelling digital presences. Its ease of use allows even users with limited technical expertise to design and maintain their website without hassle. Known for its rich features and customization options, it simplifies content management while offering engaging layouts. Typically, this theme is employed in religious contexts for publishing sermons, event calendars, and community updates. Its integration with WordPress ensures it enjoys the benefits of a flexible, open-source platform backed by a vast community. The theme primarily serves to enhance the digital representation of spiritual communities by providing a tailored online experience.

Local File Inclusion (LFI) is a serious vulnerability where an attacker can include files on a server through the web browser. If exploited, LFI can lead to sensitive information disclosure, code execution, or further compromise of the server. It typically arises from improper input validation, allowing user-supplied input to manipulate file paths. Attackers exploit LFI to gain unauthorized access to system files or sensitive configuration files. Due to its severe impact, it's categorized as a high-severity vulnerability in web applications. Often, LFI serves as a gateway for exploiting other vulnerabilities within the system.

The vulnerability within the WordPress ChurcHope Theme involves improper filtering of user-supplied input via the 'file' HTTP GET parameter. Specifically, the endpoint '/lib/downloadlink.php' fails to adequately sanitize this input. If an attacker manipulates this parameter, they can traverse directories and access files outside the web root. The issue arises from neglect in sanitizing input, allowing potentially harmful paths like '../../../../wp-config.php'. As such, identifying and resolving this improper input filtration is crucial to mitigating the associated risks.

Exploitation of the Local File Inclusion vulnerability can lead to significant security breaches. Malicious actors could read sensitive configuration files exposing database credentials. It could further enable attackers to upload malicious scripts or escalate privileges within the server. Such unauthorized access may also lead to data theft, defacement of the website, or interruption of services. Ultimately, successful exploitation compromises the integrity and confidentiality of information hosted on the server. It's imperative to promptly patch the vulnerability to prevent possible exploitation and protect the website from potential attacks.

REFERENCES

• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/3c5833bd-1fe0-4eba-97aa-7d3a0c8fda15