WordPress Git Config Information Disclosure Scanner

WordPress is a widely used content management system (CMS) that powers millions of websites worldwide. It is popular among bloggers, small businesses, and large organizations alike due to its flexibility and ease of use. WordPress allows users to create and manage website content without needing extensive technical knowledge. The platform supports a broad range of themes and plugins that enhance functionality, making it versatile for various online needs. Given its widespread adoption, WordPress is a common target for security attacks, necessitating regular updates and security vigilance. The open-source nature of WordPress enables the community to contribute to its continuous improvement and vulnerability management.

Configuration File Disclosure vulnerabilities occur when sensitive configuration files, such as .git/config, become accessible to unauthorized users. Attackers can exploit this exposure to gather sensitive information about the server or application. In WordPress, these configuration files may reside within plugin or theme directories, potentially allowing unauthorized access. This type of vulnerability can reveal information like repository URLs and authentication credentials. Mitigation requires ensuring appropriate directory permissions and restricting access to sensitive configuration endpoints. If left unaddressed, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized data access and further exploitation of the system.

The vulnerability is located in the configuration files stored within WordPress plugin and theme directories, specifically targeting the '.git/config' pattern. When accessible via HTTP requests, these files can potentially expose critical information. The scanner functions by making GET requests to paths such as '/wp-content/plugins/.git/config' and '/wp-content/themes/.git/config'. Successful exploitation involves locating these unprotected configuration files and extracting sensitive data for malicious purposes. The scanner identifies these files by checking for the presence of specific words and ensuring the page does not contain regular HTML components. Successful status responses further confirm the presence of the vulnerability.

Exploitation of this vulnerability can have several serious impacts. Unauthorized access to configuration files can lead to information leakage and potential system compromise. Attackers could use the disclosed information to gain deeper access or escalate privileges within the system. Additionally, sensitive information such as database credentials and repository paths might be disclosed, posing further risks to data integrity and confidentiality. Persisting configuration file exposures may facilitate the injection of malicious configurations or unauthorized code changes. Prompt remediation is crucial to protect the system and prevent potential exploitation by threat actors.

REFERENCES

• https://hackerone.com/reports/248693