WordPress Exports-and-Reports Plugins Information Disclosure Scanner

WordPress Exports-and-Reports Plugins is utilized widely within the WordPress ecosystem for generating comprehensive reports and exporting data directly from a WordPress site. Its integration ensures users can effectively handle database contents without additional coding, making it user-friendly and highly sought after. With its significant user base, this plugin is popular among website administrators seeking efficient data management solutions. Due to its extensive use, it is crucial to maintain strict security measures within these plugins to prevent potential data leakage. As web platforms store vast amounts of user data, ensuring the security of these plugins is essential to safeguard against unauthorized access. This plugin's accessibility and functionality make it vital for effective WordPress site management and report generation.

The vulnerability detected is an Information Disclosure flaw, which occurs when the plugin exposes sensitive database backup files. This leakage could potentially allow unauthorized users to access sensitive information that is not intended for public consumption. As such, it poses a significant threat to the confidentiality of user data and other proprietary information stored within the WordPress site. These issues are generally caused by improper access controls or unintended exposure of files. The flaw can be exploited by directly accessing paths containing sensitive files, leading to unintentional data exposure. While information disclosure is often overlooked, its potential impact on data privacy and security is considerable.

The technical details of the vulnerability include the unintended exposure of a database backup file within the plugin's directory. This is typically accessible through the '/wp-content/plugins/exports-and-reports/assets/dump.sql' path, allowing anyone with access to the URL to download the file. Within the file lies critical database information that could be leveraged by attackers for data enumeration or deeper exploits. The database dump contains 'CREATE TABLE' SQL statements, which are critical for understanding the database schema and accessing data. The vulnerability arises due to an improper handling or storage of sensitive data within publicly accessible plugin directories. Proper permissions and access controls were not enforced, leading to this disclosure issue.

Exploitation of such a vulnerability could have severe consequences, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, password hashes, or other critical information stored within the database. Attackers could use this information to craft further attacks, such as SQL injection or privilege escalation. The exposure of database information can lead to intellectual property theft, loss of user trust, and significant brand damage. For businesses, it may result in compliance issues and potential financial penalties. Furthermore, the disclosed data might be used in social engineering attacks against both the website and its users. The ramifications could extend beyond financial losses to include lasting reputational harm.

REFERENCES

• https://wordpress.org