WordPress NextGEN Gallery Configuration Disclosure Scanner
This scanner detects the use of WordPress NextGEN Gallery Configuration Disclosure in digital assets. The plugin exposes a PHP error log file that is directly accessible without authentication, which may reveal sensitive information. Detecting such vulnerabilities is crucial for securing WordPress installations.
Short Info
Level
Single Scan
Single Scan
Can be used by
Asset Owner
Estimated Time
10 seconds
Time Interval
16 days
Scan only one
URL
Toolbox
The WordPress NextGEN Gallery is a popular plugin used by photographers and web designers to create and manage image galleries within WordPress websites. It allows for the easy upload, management, and display of images and galleries on WordPress. Widely adopted due to its user-friendly interface and extensive features, the NextGEN Gallery is suitable for both amateur and professional users. It's used across various environments, from personal blogs to large-scale business websites. Despite its popularity, vulnerabilities like exposed logs can pose significant risks. Security professionals and WordPress administrators need to regularly check and mitigate such weaknesses to ensure the security of their websites.
Configuration Disclosure in the WordPress NextGEN Gallery arises when error log files are publicly accessible, potentially leading to sensitive information leakage. In this scenario, the exposed PHP error log (php_errors.log) may contain error messages, warnings, and other details that can be useful to attackers. Unauthorized access to error logs can help attackers in understanding the internal workings of a site. Recognizing such vulnerabilities is essential for maintaining a secure web environment. Properly configuring access rights and securing file directories can help mitigate these issues.
In this specific case, the vulnerability is due to the PHP error log file being stored within the admin directory of the NextGEN Gallery plugin without restricted access. By targeting a specific URL endpoint, attackers can directly access php_errors.log without any authentication. The log file may include directory paths, file names, and other sensitive information. Identifying the presence of such log files through pattern matching helps in flagging potential information leaks. Server administrators need to implement controls to ensure that access to such files is restricted and that sensitive data is not inadvertently exposed.
If exploited, the Configuration Disclosure could allow attackers to gain insights into the file structures and operational behavior of a WordPress site. This information could be further used to plan more targeted attacks, such as directory traversal or remote code execution. Exposure of error logs could lead to an understanding of weak points within the application, making it easier for attackers to compromise the site. Consequently, it is vital for web developers to promptly secure and restrict access to any log files and to sanitize error output that might be logged.
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