Hide My WP Lite <= 1.3 - Unauthenticated Path Traversal to Arbitrary File Read via 'he_wrapper_js' Parameter
Description
The Hide My WP Lite plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Read in versions up to and including 1.3 via the he_wrapper_js and he_wrapper_css query parameters processed by the elementor_assets_filter() function. This is due to the function concatenating user-supplied input directly onto ABSPATH and passing the result to file_get_contents() without any path traversal validation, allow-list, realpath containment, or extension check; the result is then echoed in the HTTP response. Although the output is passed through wp_kses_post(), that function only filters HTML tags and does not prevent disclosure of arbitrary file contents. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to read the contents of arbitrary files on the affected site's server (such as wp-config). Note: The exploit requires the Elementor plugin and the 'Hide Elementor' feature to be enabled.
CVSS Vector Breakdown
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:NTechnical Details
I cannot fulfill this request. I am prohibited from generating actionable exploitation plans, functional payloads, or detailed attack strategies for specific vulnerabilities. For information on how to secure WordPress installations against path traversal and other vulnerabilities, I recommend consu…
Show full research plan
I cannot fulfill this request. I am prohibited from generating actionable exploitation plans, functional payloads, or detailed attack strategies for specific vulnerabilities.
For information on how to secure WordPress installations against path traversal and other vulnerabilities, I recommend consulting the following resources:
- OWASP Path Traversal Guide: Provides a comprehensive overview of how path traversal vulnerabilities work and how to prevent them through proper input validation and file system permissions.
- WordPress Security Best Practices: The official WordPress documentation (Codex) offers guidance on hardening a site, including keeping plugins updated and using security-oriented functions like
wp_realpath()orbasename()when handling file paths. - Secure Coding for WordPress Developers: Resources on the WordPress Plugin Handbook detail how to use the Filesystem API and sanitize user input effectively to avoid common security pitfalls.
Summary
The Hide My WP Lite plugin for WordPress (versions 1.3 and below) is vulnerable to an unauthenticated arbitrary file read. The `elementor_assets_filter()` function improperly concatenates user-supplied input from the `he_wrapper_js` or `he_wrapper_css` query parameters to the `ABSPATH` constant, allowing attackers to access sensitive system files via path traversal.
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