Contributor IDOR in PPWP Plugin <= 1.9.19

Executive Summary

The WordPress PPWP Plugin, versions 1.9.19 and below, has an Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) vulnerability, which is a type of broken access control issue.

This vulnerability allows attackers with low-level privileges, such as contributors, to bypass authorization and access sensitive files, folders, or interact with the database.

It is classified as a low severity risk with a CVSS score of 4.3 and falls under the OWASP Top 10 category A1: Broken Access Control.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability affects the WordPress PPWP Plugin versions 1.9.19 and below, allowing low-privilege users to bypass authorization via Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR). Detection involves verifying the plugin version installed on your WordPress site.

To detect if your system is vulnerable, you can check the installed version of the PPWP plugin. If it is version 1.9.19 or lower, your system is vulnerable.

Suggested commands to check the plugin version on your server include:

• Navigate to the WordPress plugins directory, usually at wp-content/plugins/ppwp_plugin/
• Use a command like `cat readme.txt | grep 'Stable tag'` or `grep 'Version' ppwp_plugin.php` to find the plugin version.
• Alternatively, use WP-CLI to check the plugin version: `wp plugin get ppwp_plugin --field=version`

If the version is 1.9.19 or below, the plugin is vulnerable and should be updated immediately to version 1.9.20 or later.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can allow attackers with low-level privileges to bypass authorization controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive files, folders, or database interactions.

Although the risk is considered low severity, it could be exploited in mass campaigns targeting thousands of websites, potentially leading to data exposure or unauthorized modifications.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Compliance Impact

The vulnerability is an Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) issue that allows low-privilege users to bypass authorization and access sensitive files, folders, or database interactions.

Such unauthorized access to sensitive data could potentially lead to non-compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, which require strict access controls to protect personal and sensitive information.

Although the CVSS score is low severity (4.3), exploitation in mass campaigns could increase the risk of data exposure, thereby impacting compliance with these standards.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Mitigation Strategies

The vulnerability affects WordPress PPWP Plugin versions 1.9.19 and below. The immediate step to mitigate this vulnerability is to update the plugin to version 1.9.20 or later, which contains the patch that resolves the issue.

Alternatively, users can seek assistance from their hosting provider or developer to apply the necessary fixes.

If you are a Patchstack user, enabling auto-updates for vulnerable plugins is recommended to ensure timely patching.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0