CVE-2023-4933 – WP Job Openings < 3.4.3 – Sensitive Data Exposure via Directory Listing

During testing, a critical vulnerability was discovered in the plugin, namely a vulnerability in the Directory Listings system, which allows an unauthorized user to view and download private files of other users. This vulnerability poses a serious security threat because it allows an attacker to gain access to confidential data and files of other users without their permission.

Main info:

CVE	CVE-2023-4933
Plugin	WP Job Openings
Critical	High
Publicly Published	September 25, 2023
Last Updated	September 25, 2023
Researcher	Dmtirii Ignatyev
OWASP TOP-10	A3: Sensitive Data Exposure
PoC	Yes
Exploit	Will be later
Reference	https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-4933 https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/882f6c36-44c6-4273-81cd-2eaaf5e81fa7
Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk

Timeline

September 13, 2023	Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the WP Job Openings access plugin have been completed
September 13, 2023	I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing
September 20, 2023	The author has released a fix update
September 25, 2023	Registered CVE-2023-4933

Discovery of the Vulnerability

While conducting a comprehensive security assessment of the WP Job Openings plugin, a critical vulnerability was identified in its Directory Listings system. This vulnerability allows unauthorized users to access and download private files belonging to other users. This security flaw is of utmost concern as it enables attackers to gain access to sensitive data and files without any authorization.

Understanding of Directory Listing attack’s

Directory Listing, in the context of web servers, refers to the practice of displaying the contents of a directory when an index file (like index.html or index.php) is absent. Without proper security measures in place, this can lead to unintended exposure of files and directories to anyone who accesses the directory through a web browser. For example, if an attachment directory doesn’t have an index file and the web server’s autoindex feature is enabled, it may display a list of files and directories to visitors.

Imagine a scenario where the WP Job Openings plugin stores attachments related to job applications in a directory without proper access controls or an index file. If an attacker knows or guesses the directory’s path, they can easily view and download attachments submitted by other users.

Exploiting the Directory Listing

Exploiting the Directory Listing vulnerability in WP Job Openings requires little technical skill. An attacker needs to:

• Identify the target directory where attachments are stored, often through educated guesses or publicly available information.
• Use a web browser to access the directory directly.
• If the directory listing is enabled and lacks proper access controls, the attacker can view and download files belonging to other users.

This straightforward process allows attackers to access private attachments and potentially expose sensitive information, such as resumes, cover letters, and personal details submitted by job applicants.

POC:

1. You can find directory listing inside this URL http://your_site/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/awsm-job-openings/2023/09/

Potential Risks and Real-World Impact

The potential risks associated with CVE-2023-4933 are substantial. An attacker could compromise the privacy and confidentiality of job applicants by accessing their personal documents. In addition, sensitive corporate data, including resumes, contact information, and internal job-related documents, may also be exposed.

In a real-world scenario, consider an attacker who accesses a directory storing job application attachments through the vulnerability in the WP Job Openings plugin. They may use the gathered information for malicious purposes, such as identity theft, spear-phishing, or selling sensitive data on the dark web. Furthermore, if the affected organization handles highly regulated data (e.g., personal health information or financial records), this exposure could lead to legal and compliance issues.

Recommendations for Improved Security

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-4933 and enhance the overall security of WordPress websites using the WP Job Openings plugin, the following recommendations should be followed:

1. Update the plugin: Website administrators should promptly update the WP Job Openings plugin to version 3.4.3 or later, which should include a patch to address this vulnerability.
2. Implement access controls: Developers should configure proper directory permissions and access controls to prevent unauthorized directory listings and file access.
3. Disable directory listing: Ensure that directory listing is disabled in the web server’s configuration, especially for directories containing sensitive data.
4. Security monitoring: Implement continuous security monitoring to detect and respond to potential vulnerabilities or attacks promptly.
5. Regular audits: Perform routine security audits and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses in WordPress plugins and themes.
   

By following these recommendations, website owners can significantly reduce the risk of sensitive data exposure through directory listings and enhance the overall security posture of their WordPress installations.

#WordPressSecurity #DirectoryListing #WebsiteSafety #StayProtected #HighVulnerability

Use CleanTalk solutions to improve the security of your website

Dmitrii i.

If you think your website is infected and you need help, contact us for malware cleanup. Our specialists will provide you with professional assistance in cleaning your website from malware.

Check my website