The Simple Download Monitor WordPress plugin before 3.9.5 allows users with a role as low as Contributor to download any file on the web server, such as wp-config.php, via a path traversal vector. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exposes sensitive files that could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches.
With a CVSS score of 6.5, classified as medium severity, organizations using this plugin should be aware of the potential risks involved. The attack vector is categorized as network, with a low attack complexity and low privileges required, meaning it can be exploited relatively easily by an attacker.
Risk to organizations includes the possibility of attackers downloading sensitive configuration files or other critical data. This exposure can result in unauthorized access to the underlying systems or other sensitive information. Therefore, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The vulnerability has been documented and its details are publicly available. Organizations should act quickly to avoid potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The Simple Download Monitor plugin, maintained by Tipsandtricks-hq, is vulnerable prior to version 3.9.5. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary file downloads due to improper handling of file paths, which is classified under CWE-22. Organizations using this plugin should ensure they are updated to version 3.9.5 or later.
The CVSS score of 6.5 indicates a medium severity vulnerability. The attack vector is network-based, meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely. The attack complexity is low, requiring minimal technical skills.
Users need not interact with the attack, and the confidentiality impact is high, potentially exposing sensitive data. However, there is no integrity or availability impact.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a path traversal flaw, allowing malicious users to craft requests that may access files outside the intended directory. The attack vector is through the network, which facilitates remote exploitation without needing physical access to the affected system.
The attack complexity is categorized as low, meaning that an attacker can exploit the vulnerability without significant effort. Privileges required are low, as even a Contributor role can initiate an attack. User interaction is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The impact on confidentiality is high, as attackers may gain access to sensitive files, which could contain critical configuration or user information. There is no impact on integrity or availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations should evaluate the deployment of the Simple Download Monitor plugin and consider the risks posed by this vulnerability. Given that the attack complexity is low and can be exploited by users with minimal privileges, the potential blast radius is significant. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive files.
The urgency of remediation is high, and organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The EPSS score of 0.00741 indicates a very low likelihood of exploitation, but given the potential impact, organizations should not delay in patching.
Additionally, the CVE has not been included in the KEV catalog, indicating that it may not be actively exploited in the wild. However, the vulnerability should still be taken seriously due to the inherent risks associated with file downloads.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects the Simple Download Monitor plugin versions prior to 3.9.5. Organizations should ensure they are using the latest version to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should upgrade the Simple Download Monitor plugin to version 3.9.5 or later. If immediate upgrading is not feasible, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to the plugin or monitoring file download activities.
For a more comprehensive security strategy, organizations are encouraged to implement penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in their systems.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unauthorized file access attempts and unusual download activity. Behavioral anomalies indicating attempts to exploit path traversal vulnerabilities should also be flagged.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The presence of this vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the potential risks associated with third-party plugins. It serves as a reminder for security teams to regularly audit their applications and implement robust security measures.
Security teams should actively monitor for vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-24692 and ensure that proper patching practices are in place. For further insights on application security, consider reviewing our vulnerability management program and best practices in penetration testing.
Ultimately, proactive measures and continuous evaluation of security postures are essential to mitigate the risks posed by such vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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