CVE-2016-15042 Scanner

The WordPress Frontend File Manager and N-Media Post Frontend plugins are widely used in WordPress sites for managing file uploads and frontend content posting, respectively. These plugins are often used by website administrators to allow users to upload files or create and manage content directly from the site's frontend. This functionality is especially useful for community-driven sites and collaborative platforms where user-generated content is a core feature. The Frontend File Manager assists in managing user permissions, ensuring that files are correctly placed and accessed only by authorized users. On the other hand, the N-Media Post Frontend plugin facilitates seamless content creation and editing through a user-friendly interface. Both plugins aim to enhance user interaction and streamline content management processes on WordPress sites.

The vulnerability detected in these plugins pertains to their handling of file uploads. Arbitrary File Upload allows attackers to bypass file type validation, potentially exploiting this to upload malicious files to the server. This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or even full control of the affected WordPress site by executing remote code. Such vulnerabilities are especially critical as they can be triggered by unauthenticated attackers, increasing the risk profile considerably. Ensuring that strict validation and sanitization techniques are employed for file uploads can mitigate the risk of exploitation. Despite the inherent risks, these plugins remain popular due to their functionality and the added features they provide for frontend content management. Maintaining updated versions and applying patches is a fundamental practice to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Technically, the vulnerability in these plugins stems from insufficient validation and sanitization processes for files uploaded through frontend interfaces. The specific endpoints affected are /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, which handles the upload actions. The plugins do not adequately check the file types or sanitize the contents before saving them to the server. This loophole can be exploited by crafting a file upload request with a PHP file enclosed, enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely. By manipulating the form-data parameters during the upload process, attackers can insert malicious payloads that remain unchecked by the current security controls. Thus, ensuring robust control over the file upload paths and tightening the validation process is essential in securing these plugins against arbitrary file uploads.

If these vulnerabilities are exploited by malicious actors, the impacts can range from unauthorized access to sensitive data to full server compromise and defacement. Attackers can use the arbitrary file upload capabilities to host backdoors, initiate further attacks on the server, or undermine user privacy by accessing personal data. A compromised system may also become part of a larger botnet, aiding in DDoS attacks or distributing malware. Ensuring stringent security measures and regular monitoring can help detect anomalies indicative of exploitation attempts. Moreover, system administrators should promptly patch or disable vulnerable plugins to prevent successful attacks. The potential damage from exploiting such vulnerabilities can be extensive, affecting not just site integrity but also user trust.

REFERENCES

• https://www.pluginvulnerabilities.com/2016/09/19/arbitrary-file-upload-vulnerability-in-front-end-file-upload-and-manager-plugin/
• https://www.pluginvulnerabilities.com/2016/09/19/arbitrary-file-upload-vulnerability-in-n-media-post-front-end-form/
• https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2016-15042
• https://wordpress.org/plugins/nmedia-user-file-uploader/#developers
• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/052f7d9a-aaff-4fb1-92b7-aeb83cc705a7