the get_category_template function in wp-includes/theme.php in WordPress 2.3.3 and earlier, and 2.5,: Filesystem traversal

the get_category_template function in wp-includes/theme.php in WordPress 2.3.3 and earlier, and 2.5, is affected by filesystem traversal. Exposure depends on how the affected operation is made reachable by the site. A crafted path can escape the intended directory and reach files or directories elsewhere on the server.

CVE / CNA score 9.3 CVSS · cve@mitre.org

NVD score 9.3 CVSS 2.0 · nvd@nist.gov

Component: the get_category_template function in wp-includes/theme.php in WordPress 2.3.3 and earlier, and 2.5,
Plugin slug: Not applicable
Affected: See vendor advisory
Safe version: See mitigation notes
Published: Oct 28, 2008
Weakness: CWE-22 — Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')

What to do

Update, patch or deactivate.

Update the get_category_template function in wp-includes/theme.php in WordPress 2.3.3 and earlier, and 2.5, to a release outside the affected range, or disable and remove it until a fixed version is available.

No confirmed safe version is listed. Consider a vendor-supported patch or temporarily restricting the affected functionality while you assess the risk.

Deactivate only when warranted by your risk profile, or when advised by your hosting provider in the limited circumstances where the vulnerability cannot otherwise be mitigated. If you’re unsure which action is appropriate, contact Fused or your hosting provider for guidance.

Source record

Technical description

Directory traversal vulnerability in the get_category_template function in wp-includes/theme.php in WordPress 2.3.3 and earlier, and 2.5, allows remote attackers to include and possibly execute arbitrary PHP files via the cat parameter in index.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.

NVD vector: AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

References

Update, patch or deactivate.

Technical description

Primary and upstream sources