During routine security assessment, a severe vulnerability was identified in the Backup Bolt plugin for WordPress. Upon inspection of the plugin’s files, it was found that the file path /wordpress/babo-background-error.log was left unprotected, exposing detailed information about the site’s configuration, directories, and files. This flaw poses a significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Main info:
| CVE | CVE-2023-7236 |
| Plugin | Backup Bolt <= 1.3.0 |
| Critical | Medium |
| All Time | 9 410 |
| Active installations | 1 000+ |
| Publicly Published | February 20, 2023 |
| Last Updated | February 20, 2023 |
| Researcher | Dmtirii Ignatyev |
| OWASP TOP-10 | A3: Sensitive Data Exposure |
| PoC | Yes |
| Exploit | No |
| Reference | https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-7236 https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/2a4557e2-b764-4678-a6d6-af39dd1ba76b/ |
| Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk |  |
Timeline
| December 23, 2023 | Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the Backup Bolt have been completed |
| December 23, 2023 | I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing |
| February 21, 2023 | Registered CVE-2023-7236 |
Discovery of the Vulnerability
A severe vulnerability has been discovered in the file /wordpress/babo-background-error.log. This flaw exposes extensive information about the site, including its configuration, directories, and files.
Understanding of Sensitive Data Exposure attack’s
Sensitive Data Exposure occurs when an application exposes sensitive information, such as user credentials, database contents, or system configuration details, to unauthorized individuals or entities. In WordPress, this vulnerability can manifest in various ways, including unprotected access to log files, database dumps, or configuration files. Real-world examples of such exposure include debug logs, error logs, or backup files being accessible without proper authentication.
Exploiting the Sensitive Data Exposure Vulnerability
Exploiting this vulnerability involves accessing the unprotected debug log file (/wordpress/babo-background-error.log) through a web browser or other means. Since the file is not properly secured, attackers can retrieve sensitive information contained within it, such as system errors, database connection details, or other configuration settings. This information can then be used to launch further attacks or compromise the integrity of the WordPress site.
POC:
- http://your_site/wordpress/babo-background-error.log
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The potential risks associated with this vulnerability are significant. Unauthorized access to sensitive data can lead to various malicious activities, including:
- Disclosure of sensitive information to unauthorized parties.
- Exploitation of system vulnerabilities based on exposed configuration details.
- Compromise of user credentials or other confidential data stored within the debug logs. In real-world scenarios, attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the target WordPress site, identify potential weaknesses, and orchestrate targeted attacks aimed at compromising the site’s security and integrity.
Recommendations for Improved Security
To mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability and enhance the overall security posture of WordPress sites, the following recommendations are advised:
- Implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories.
- Regularly review and audit file permissions to ensure that sensitive data is adequately protected.
- Utilize security plugins or solutions that offer robust logging and monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts.
- Stay informed about security best practices and emerging threats in the WordPress ecosystem, and promptly apply security patches and updates provided by plugin developers.
- Consider employing web application firewalls (WAFs) or intrusion detection systems (IDS) to add an additional layer of defense against malicious attacks targeting sensitive data exposure vulnerabilities.
By following these recommendations, website administrators can strengthen the security of their WordPress websites and reduce the risk of exploitation through Stored XSS vulnerabilities in plugins like Backup Bolt.
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