WordPress Plugin InfiniteWP Client Improper File Process Scanner

The InfiniteWP Client plugin for WordPress is a tool used by website administrators to manage their WordPress sites from a single dashboard. It simplifies tasks such as backups, updates, and password resets, making it widely adopted among website managers and developers. The plugin is popular in the WordPress ecosystem due to its functionality to streamline multiple website management tasks. WordPress site owners with several installations or those managing sites for clients often use it. It is especially useful for keeping WordPress installations secure and up-to-date without logging into each site individually. The plugin's vast adoption makes identifying and addressing any vulnerabilities within it critical to ensuring widespread WordPress site security.

The vulnerability in question with the InfiniteWP Client plugin relates to Improper File Process. Such vulnerabilities allow unauthorized users to access or disclose the file path of the files used by the plugin. These are sensitive paths that reveal critical information about the server configuration. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain insights into the server's file structure, potentially exposing sensitive information. Detecting this vulnerability is crucial to preventing potential data breaches and maintaining the integrity of the server and application environment. Addressing this issue mitigates the risk of unauthorized access and the subsequent misuse of exposed data.

Technically, the vulnerability occurs due to file path disclosure when certain plugin files are accessed directly. Typically, web servers should be configured to prevent the direct access of PHP files meant to be included or executed internally. However, if accessed directly, these files can return error messages revealing the full path on the server. The specific endpoints of concern highlighted were '/wp-content/plugins/iwp-client/lib/IWPClass.php', '/wp-content/plugins/iwp-client/backup/backup.class.php', and '/wp-content/plugins/iwp-client/lib/phpseclib/Crypt/AES.php'. WordPress administrators need to ensure their servers are configured correctly to suppress such error disclosures on their live systems to protect this information.

When exploited, this vulnerability can have several adverse effects on the target systems. An attacker can use the disclosed file paths to understand the server structure and potentially locate sensitive files or configurations. They might leverage this knowledge to conduct further attacks such as local file inclusion or to exploit other known vulnerabilities associated with disclosed paths. In some worse scenarios, attackers could retrieve sensitive data or gain unauthorized access to server resources. The exposure of the file path itself weakens the security posture of the server, increasing the potential vectors for compromise.

REFERENCES

• https://wordpress.org/plugins/iwp-client/