External risk intelligence

WordPress Duplicator Plugin Directory Traversal Risk

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-11738

A directory traversal vulnerability exists in the Snap Creek Duplicator plugin for WordPress. This flaw could allow attackers to access sensitive files, posing a risk to data confidentiality and business operations. Organizations are advised to update the plugin to mitigate this risk.

4Halo Surface Signal

Path Traversal

Awesomemotive Duplicator

before 1.3.28before 3.8.7.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-11738

This vulnerability affects a WordPress plugin, which is a component of a web application. Web applications are typically deployed as internet-facing services, making the vulnerable plugin functions reachable by remote users via the public web server interface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Snap Creek Duplicator plugin for WordPress contains a directory traversal vulnerability. This flaw allows unauthorized access to files within the WordPress installation. The potential business impact includes the compromise of sensitive data and disruption of services.

  • Vulnerable WordPress plugin
  • Directory traversal flaw
  • Sensitive data exposure

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Directory traversal vulnerabilities in the Snap Creek Duplicator plugin allow unauthorized access to files. Attackers can leverage this to obtain sensitive information from affected WordPress sites. This could expose data and create additional risks for the organization.

  • Network exposure required.
  • Attacker provides crafted file path.
  • Attacker reads arbitrary files.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows unauthorized access to sensitive information on affected systems. Attackers can exploit this flaw remotely to download files from WordPress sites using the Duplicator plugin. The potential for data exposure poses a significant risk to organizations, potentially impacting business operations and requiring immediate attention.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: None
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The Snap Creek Duplicator plugin has a vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to files. Organizations using this plugin should take immediate steps to identify and secure their systems. This issue presents a risk of data exposure if not addressed promptly.

  • Identify all WordPress sites using the Duplicator plugin.
  • Restrict access to the plugin's functions if possible.
  • Apply vendor updates and validate successful implementation.
  • Monitor for suspicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Snap Creek Duplicator plugin for WordPress and its function?

The Snap Creek Duplicator plugin for WordPress is a tool designed to create complete copies of WordPress websites. It enables users to package a site into an archive file, which is useful for backups or migrating a site to a new location. It is available in both a free 'lite' version and a paid 'pro' version.

How does CVE-2020-11738 exploit a directory traversal weakness?

CVE-2020-11738 is a directory traversal vulnerability (CWE-22). This weakness enables an attacker to manipulate file paths, often by using sequences like '../', to navigate outside the intended directory. In this context, it allows an attacker to download arbitrary files from a WordPress installation.

What trigger path allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory?

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the 'file' parameter within the duplicator_download or duplicator_init functions. By providing crafted file paths containing directory traversal sequences, they can bypass security controls and access files beyond the plugin's intended scope.

What is the significance of CVE-2020-11738 according to Halo Surface Signal?

According to Halo Surface Signal, this vulnerability is classified as 'Likely' to be exploited. This assessment is based on the fact that it affects a WordPress plugin, which is a component of web applications often exposed to the internet, making it reachable by remote attackers.

What steps should be taken to address the Duplicator plugin vulnerability?

Organizations using the Snap Creek Duplicator plugin should promptly identify all affected WordPress sites. It is crucial to apply vendor updates to versions 1.3.28 for the lite version and 3.8.7.1 for the pro version. Monitoring for suspicious activity post-update is also recommended.

References