WordPress wp-env.json File Exposure Detection Scanner

WordPress is a widely-used content management system (CMS) primarily designed for web content publishing, but it has evolved to support a wide range of web applications, including forums, membership sites, eCommerce, and more. It is favored by bloggers, businesses, and developers due to its flexibility and a vast array of plugins and themes. The WordPress ecosystem is supported by a large global community that contributes to its open-source project, expanding its functionalities and security. Users appreciate WordPress for its user-friendly interface and customization options, making it accessible to both novices and professionals. Despite its strengths, WordPress can be vulnerable if not configured properly, exposing critical data. This scanner helps detect such vulnerabilities within WordPress setups to enhance security measures.

The vulnerability in question involves the exposure of WordPress configuration details through a publicly accessible wp-env.json file. This file can unintentionally reveal crucial information such as the PHP version, details about installed plugins, themes, and other development environment specifics. If this configuration file is accessible, it poses a risk, as attackers can gather information about the environment and exploit any known vulnerabilities in these components. Config exposures are serious since they provide attackers with insights necessary to plan and execute targeted attacks. The WordPress Config Exposure Scanner identifies such exposures, allowing website owners to take corrective measures. Protecting this information is critical to maintaining the security and integrity of WordPress installations.

Technically, the vulnerability arises when the wp-env.json configuration file is left accessible on the server, allowing anyone to retrieve it without authentication. This file typically resides in the root directory of the WordPress installation and should be safeguarded using appropriate access controls. The vulnerable endpoint is the URL path `/.wp-env.json`, which, when publicly accessible, allows the retrieval of sensitive configuration data. Detecting a 200 OK status response from this endpoint and certain JSON attributes like "phpVersion", "plugins", and "themes" confirms the exposure. Server misconfigurations or improper access controls can inadvertently allow such files to be reached via HTTP GET requests, making them susceptible to information disclosure attacks.

Exploiting this vulnerability could provide attackers with insights that lead to further attacks, such as plugin-based exploits, because they know which plugins and themes are in use. This can result in unauthorized access or control over the WordPress site if known vulnerabilities in the disclosed components are exploited. The attacker can also ascertain details about the environment, such as the PHP version, which might be targeted if it is outdated and vulnerable. Overall, such exposure can lead to significant security breaches, data loss, or service disruption, highlighting the need for diligent configuration management and security practices.

REFERENCES

• https://developer.wordpress.org/block-editor/reference-guides/packages/packages-env/