Arbitrary File Read in UnderConstructionPage PRO WordPress Plugin

Executive Summary

The UnderConstructionPage PRO plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability known as Arbitrary File Read in all versions up to and including 5.76.

This vulnerability occurs because the plugin accepts arbitrary local file paths through the template_thumbnail parameter and copies their contents into a publicly accessible uploads file.

As a result, authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher can read arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves the UnderConstructionPage PRO WordPress plugin accepting arbitrary local file paths via the template_thumbnail parameter, allowing authenticated users with Subscriber-level access or higher to read arbitrary files on the server.

To detect exploitation attempts or test for this vulnerability, you can monitor HTTP requests to the plugin that include the template_thumbnail parameter with suspicious file path values.

Example commands to detect or test this vulnerability include:

• Using curl to test if arbitrary file read is possible by requesting a known file, e.g.: curl -i -X GET 'http://yourwordpresssite.com/wp-content/plugins/underconstructionpage/?template_thumbnail=../../../../etc/passwd'
• Using grep or similar tools on web server access logs to find requests containing the template_thumbnail parameter: grep 'template_thumbnail' /var/log/apache2/access.log
• Using intrusion detection system (IDS) rules to alert on HTTP requests with suspicious file path traversal patterns in the template_thumbnail parameter.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability allows attackers with low-level authenticated access (Subscriber-level and above) to read arbitrary files on the server.

The attacker could access sensitive information stored in these files, which might include configuration files, credentials, or other private data.

Such unauthorized access can lead to information disclosure, increasing the risk of further attacks or data breaches.

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Compliance Impact

The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access and above to read arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. This exposure of sensitive data could potentially lead to non-compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA, which require the protection of personal and sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Since the plugin copies contents of arbitrary local files into a publicly accessible uploads file, it increases the risk of sensitive data leakage, which is a critical concern under these regulations.

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Mitigation Strategies

The vulnerability exists in all versions of the UnderConstructionPage PRO plugin up to and including 5.76. To mitigate this vulnerability, you should update the plugin to a version later than 5.76 where this issue is fixed.

Additionally, restrict Subscriber-level users from accessing or manipulating the template_thumbnail parameter if possible, and monitor your uploads directory for unexpected file contents that could indicate exploitation.

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