This vulnerability allows improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP programs, specifically affecting the Improved Sale Badges – Free Version plugin. With a CVSS score of 8.1, this high-severity issue poses significant risks to organizations using this plugin.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive files and data through PHP Local File Inclusion. Given the high attack complexity, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there are no known exploits for this vulnerability, but its high severity and potential impact necessitate a proactive security posture.
Organizations using the Improved Sale Badges – Free Version plugin must address this vulnerability in their patch cycle to avoid exploitation risks.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified as a PHP Remote File Inclusion issue, which can allow attackers to include arbitrary files, leading to data exposure and potential remote code execution.
The CVSS score of 8.1 indicates a high severity, with a network attack vector and high attack complexity. No privileges are required for exploitation, and user interaction is not necessary.
This vulnerability affects the Improved Sale Badges – Free Version plugin versions up to and including 1.0.1.
The vulnerability was published on January 22, 2025, and is classified under CWE-98.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation in the filename parameter of include/require statements. This oversight allows attackers to manipulate input and include arbitrary files from the server.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring high complexity due to the need for specific file paths, yet no privileges are required for exploitation. There is no user interaction necessary for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability.
The impacts are severe, with high potential for confidentiality, integrity, and availability compromise, as attackers could access sensitive files, modify data, or disrupt service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk is significant due to the plugin's popularity among WordPress users, making it a valuable target for attackers. The potential blast radius could affect numerous organizations globally, especially those relying on this plugin for e-commerce capabilities.
Organizations should prioritize remediation based on the high CVSS score and the potential for exploitation. Although this vulnerability is currently deferred and lacks known exploits, the absence of immediate threats does not diminish its severity.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
This vulnerability affects all versions of the Improved Sale Badges – Free Version plugin up to and including 1.0.1.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should update the Improved Sale Badges – Free Version plugin to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability. If a patch is unavailable, consider disabling the plugin until a fix is released.
Additional security measures include conducting a comprehensive security assessment and implementing proper input validation on all file inclusion functionalities.
For ongoing protection, organizations may benefit from penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Monitor logs for unusual file access patterns and include indicators of potential exploitation attempts. Look for entries involving unexpected file inclusions or alterations.
Behavioral anomalies, such as unauthorized access to sensitive files, should be investigated immediately.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability highlights the ongoing need for robust security practices in PHP applications, particularly in plugins that interact with file systems.
Observing the trends surrounding local file inclusion vulnerabilities can provide insights into common weaknesses found in web applications. Security teams should prioritize education and awareness around this type of risk.
Organizations are encouraged to adopt a proactive security posture, including regular security audits and employing vulnerability management programs to identify and rectify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Further insights can be gained from studying incident reports and trend analyses to anticipate potential attack vectors related to file inclusion vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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