WordPress Oxygen-Theme Local File Inclusion Scanner

WordPress Oxygen-Theme is a popular theme used by WordPress users to enhance the visual aesthetic and functionality of their websites. It is typically used by bloggers, small businesses, and individuals who want to create a visually appealing site without extensive coding. The theme offers customizable features and is compatible with a wide range of plugins, making it a flexible choice for various site designs. WordPress Oxygen-Theme is known for its ease of use and quick setup, making it accessible to new and experienced WordPress users alike. Professionals in web design often use this theme to showcase portfolios or create engaging landing pages. This theme is distributed via WordPress, making it widely accessible for personal and small business websites.

The Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the WordPress Oxygen-Theme allows attackers to include files from the server's file system in their HTTP responses. This kind of vulnerability poses a significant security risk because it can be exploited to leak sensitive information such as configurations files like wp-config.php. The LFI vulnerability can be particularly damaging because it enables unauthorized file access, potentially including critical files like customer databases. Attackers can exploit LFI to execute arbitrary code if the included files are in executable form. LFI often emerges when user input is not properly sanitized, allowing directory traversal paths that access restricted parts of the file system. In secure environments, file inclusion vulnerabilities must be rigorously patched to prevent unauthorized access or leaking of sensitive information.

The WordPress Oxygen-Theme is specifically at risk through the 'file' parameter in the 'download.php' script. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the 'file' parameter with directory traversal characters, such as "../../../", to access critical files like wp-config.php. The vulnerability is a result of inadequate input validation and potentially missing security controls that allow paths to be crafted beyond the intended directory. Matchers in the proof-of-concept focus on words like "DB_NAME" and "DB_PASSWORD," indicators that sensitive database configuration details are being exposed. The LFI vulnerability may require no more than a simple crafted URL, enabling attackers to access files typically restricted to authenticated users or system processes. Such vulnerabilities are exploited by altering URL requests to the web application, allowing attackers to preview or download sensitive file contents.

If an attacker successfully exploits the LFI vulnerability in the WordPress Oxygen-Theme, it can lead to serious security implications. The most immediate risk is unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files, specifically those containing database credentials. With access to 'wp-config.php', attackers can potentially gain control over the WordPress database, leading to data theft or further exploitation. Additional consequences might include local file manipulation or deletion, unauthorized data disclosure, and potential system compromise if PHP code execution is possible. The LFI vulnerability can also serve as an initial step for more extensive attacks, facilitating the delivery of malicious payloads or scripts into the server environment. Systems exploited through LFI vulnerabilities may require complete security audits to identify and mitigate all unauthorized access vectors.

REFERENCES

• https://cxsecurity.com/issue/WLB-2019030178