WordPress JoeBooking Plugins Arbitrary File Read Scanner

WordPress JoeBooking Plugins is used widely for booking management on WordPress sites, allowing users to manage reservations and appointments with ease. It is commonly utilized by businesses such as salons, restaurants, and service providers who need to automate their booking processes. This plugin integrates seamlessly with WordPress websites, making it popular among non-technical users seeking simple booking solutions. By offering features for managing bookings directly from the WordPress dashboard, the plugin optimizes user experience for both administrators and clients. Additionally, it provides various customization options to meet different business needs and preferences. The JoeBooking Plugin's appeal is largely due to its user-friendly interface and integration capability with other WordPress plugins and themes.

The vulnerability detected in this scanner relates to an Arbitrary File Read issue, where unauthorized users can gain access to sensitive files intended to be kept private. Such vulnerabilities are critical because they can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data. These flaws arise when proper access controls are not implemented on file endpoints within the plugin. Exploitation of this vulnerability may allow attackers to read files such as database dumps, configuration files, or other sensitive documents, leading to significant security breaches. As these vulnerabilities are commonly exploited by attackers to gather intelligence about the application, they pose substantial risk if unaddressed. Given its potential impact, promptly addressing this vulnerability is crucial for maintaining data security on affected platforms.

The vulnerability involves exploiting improperly secured backend file paths, specifically targeting the `db.sql` file within the plugin directory. The endpoint susceptible to this exploitation is typically accessible via a direct URL path in the format '/wp-content/plugins/joebooking/core6/model/db.sql'. By reviewing this path, attackers can trigger the file read process without authentication. The vulnerability primarily affects plugin configurations that do not segregate access based on user roles, thereby allowing unauthorized read actions. Detection involves confirming the accessibility of sensitive database files through crafted HTTP requests and analyzing the response for specific SQL statements or table definitions. A successful read operation would reveal parts of the database schema, confirming the vulnerability's presence.

Exploiting this vulnerability may result in exposure of sensitive information, which can be leveraged in more extensive cyber-attack activities. Malicious actors could extract database credentials, session identifiers, or other confidential data, facilitating secondary attacks such as phishing, SQL injection, or privilege escalation. The breach of sensitive data integrity and confidentiality can significantly compromise the affected WordPress infrastructure. For businesses relying on the plugin for booking and client management, such breaches could lead to significant reputational and financial damage. Therefore, mitigating this vulnerability is critical to preventing unauthorized disclosures and protecting user data.

REFERENCES

• https://wordpress.org/plugins/