WordPress Table of Contents Plus Improper File Process Scanner

The WordPress Table of Contents Plus Plugin is widely used for creating and managing table of contents within WordPress posts and pages. This tool is popular among bloggers and content creators who need to organize long pieces of content in their WordPress websites. The plugin is maintained actively and has a large user base, making it a significant component of many WordPress setups. Vulnerabilities in such plugins can have widespread effects, especially given the popularity of WordPress as a content management system. Besides content creators, developers and website administrators also interact with this plugin to ensure better navigation within generated content. However, like any software, it carries the risks of vulnerabilities which need monitoring and management.

This vulnerability refers to improper file process issues within the WordPress Table of Contents Plus plugin. It involves the disclosure of full paths through direct access to specific plugin files. Such vulnerabilities could potentially allow attackers to gain unintended insights into server-side files, which they can then leverage for more nefarious activities. Detecting such vulnerabilities is crucial, as improper handling of paths can lead to exposing the internal file structure of the application. This type of vulnerability highlights weaknesses in input validation and file access restrictions.

Technical details include endpoints that allow access to specific plugin files directly. The vulnerable parameter stems from insufficient input validation on file access, leading to situations where full paths can be disclosed inadvertently. Attackers sometimes exploit these vulnerabilities by accessing the plugin files through carefully crafted GET requests, as structured in the paths like '/wp-content/plugins/table-of-contents-plus/includes/class.toc.php'. Search for error messages like 'Fatal error' or 'Uncaught Error' can confirm vulnerability presence.

The primary effect of these vulnerabilities being exploited is information disclosure. Attackers could use the knowledge of full file paths to carry out more targeted attacks or tailor exploits that specifically leverage these paths' knowledge. In the worst-case scenario, it could serve as a gateway to unauthorized access, leading to a cascade of security implications and potentially compromising sensitive data. Moreover, the exposed information could be used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities for more sophisticated attacks.

REFERENCES

• https://wordpress.org/plugins/table-of-contents-plus/