the wp_ajax_update_plugin function in wp-admin/includes/ajax-actions.php in WordPress 4.5.3: Filesystem traversal

the wp_ajax_update_plugin function in wp-admin/includes/ajax-actions.php in WordPress 4.5.3 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 7.1 CVSS · cve@mitre.org

NVD score 7.1 CVSS 3.0 · nvd@nist.gov

Component: the wp_ajax_update_plugin function in wp-admin/includes/ajax-actions.php in WordPress 4.5.3
Plugin slug: Not applicable
Affected: See vendor advisory
Safe version: See mitigation notes
Published: Jan 18, 2017
Weakness: CWE-22 — Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')

What to do

Update, patch or deactivate.

Update the wp_ajax_update_plugin function in wp-admin/includes/ajax-actions.php in WordPress 4.5.3 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 wp_ajax_update_plugin function in wp-admin/includes/ajax-actions.php in WordPress 4.5.3 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service or read certain text files via a .. (dot dot) in the plugin parameter to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, as demonstrated by /dev/random read operations that deplete the entropy pool.

NVD vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:H

References

Update, patch or deactivate.

Technical description

Primary and upstream sources