CVE-2025-1282

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy: CVE-2025-1282 - Arbitrary File Deletion in Car Dealer Automotive WordPress Theme

This document outlines the remediation and mitigation strategy for CVE-2025-1282, a critical vulnerability discovered in the Car Dealer Automotive WordPress Theme.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • CVE ID: CVE-2025-1282
  • Vulnerability: Arbitrary File Deletion & Potential Arbitrary File Read
  • Affected Software: Car Dealer Automotive WordPress Theme – Responsive theme for WordPress, versions up to and including 1.6.3
  • Location: delete_post_photo() and add_car() functions
  • Description: The theme suffers from insufficient file path validation within the delete_post_photo() and add_car() functions. This allows authenticated attackers (with Subscriber-level access and above) to manipulate file paths, leading to the deletion of arbitrary files on the server. The add_car() function may also enable arbitrary file reading. Deleting critical files, such as wp-config.php, can easily result in remote code execution (RCE).

2. Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
  • Impact:
    • Arbitrary File Deletion: Attackers can delete critical system files, leading to website malfunction, data loss, and denial of service.
    • Remote Code Execution (RCE): Deleting specific files like wp-config.php allows attackers to potentially gain complete control over the server.
    • Arbitrary File Read (Potential): The add_car() function could allow attackers to read sensitive information, including database credentials, code, and user data.

3. Known Exploits:

  • Exploitability: Exploit scripts and techniques are likely to be developed and shared publicly due to the high severity and ease of exploitation (authenticated access with Subscriber-level privileges is sufficient).
  • Proof of Concept (PoC): Publicly available PoCs are expected to emerge quickly, potentially leading to widespread exploitation.

4. Remediation Strategy:

The primary goal is to eliminate the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.

  • Immediate Action:

    • Upgrade the Theme: The highest priority is to upgrade to a patched version of the theme that addresses this vulnerability. Check the theme developer’s website or the WordPress theme repository for updates. If a patched version (later than 1.6.3) is available, install it immediately.
    • If no patch is available (yet): If an update is not available, proceed with mitigation steps outlined below, and constantly monitor the theme developer’s website for a patch.

  • Mitigation Steps (if no patch is immediately available):

    • Disable the Theme: Temporarily disable the Car Dealer Automotive WordPress Theme. This is the most effective way to prevent exploitation, but it will also render the website unusable.

    • Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule:

      • Create a WAF rule to block requests to the delete_post_photo() and add_car() functions with suspicious file path parameters. The rule should inspect the input parameters for directory traversal attempts (e.g., “..” sequences) and absolute paths.
      • Example (ModSecurity Rule): SecRule REQUEST_URI “/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php” “chain,id:1001,phase:2,t:lowercase,pass,nolog” SecRule POST:action “delete_post_photo|add_car” “chain” SecRule POST:file_path “@rx (\.\.+|/etc/passwd|/boot/)” “t:urlDecode,deny,status:403,msg:‘Attempted File Deletion/Read Attack’” Note: This is a sample rule and may need to be adapted to your specific WAF and the theme’s code.

    • Restrict Access to WordPress Admin Area: Implement stricter access controls to the WordPress admin area. Limit access to only trusted users with the necessary roles.

    • Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Closely monitor server logs, WordPress logs, and WAF logs for any signs of exploitation attempts, such as requests to the vulnerable functions with suspicious file path parameters or unusual file system activity.

    • Disable Subscriber Access to vulnerable functions (Complex, requires code change):

      • This is a more advanced mitigation, as it requires modifying the theme’s code (which will be overwritten upon update, so keep backups).

      • Locate the delete_post_photo() and add_car() functions in the theme’s code. Add a check to ensure that only users with higher privileges (e.g., Editor, Administrator) can access these functions.

      • Example (PHP Code Snippet - Use with caution and proper testing): function delete_post_photo() { if ( ! current_user_can( ’edit_others_posts’ ) ) { // Example: Only allow editors and admins wp_die( ‘Insufficient privileges.’ ); } // Original function code here }

        function add_car() { if ( ! current_user_can( ’edit_others_posts’ ) ) { // Example: Only allow editors and admins wp_die( ‘Insufficient privileges.’ ); } // Original function code here } This code snippet checks if the current user has the ’edit_others_posts’ capability (typically assigned to Editors and Administrators). If not, it displays an error message and stops the execution of the function. Important: This example uses ’edit_others_posts’ capability. Adjust the capability check based on the actual roles and permissions required for these functions. Always backup the original code before making changes.

5. Validation:

  • After applying the remediation or mitigation steps, thoroughly test the website to ensure the vulnerability has been addressed and that the website is functioning correctly.
  • Use a vulnerability scanner (e.g., OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite) to verify that the arbitrary file deletion and potential file read vulnerabilities are no longer present.
  • Manually attempt to exploit the vulnerability by sending requests to the delete_post_photo() and add_car() functions with malicious file path parameters.

6. Communication:

  • Inform all users of the website about the vulnerability and the steps being taken to address it.
  • Provide clear instructions on how to report any suspicious activity.

7. Long-Term Strategy:

  • Stay Updated: Regularly update all WordPress themes and plugins to the latest versions to benefit from security patches and bug fixes.
  • Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits of the website to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
  • Secure Coding Practices: Encourage the use of secure coding practices by developers when creating or customizing WordPress themes and plugins.
  • Vulnerability Scanning: Implement automated vulnerability scanning tools to continuously monitor the website for security vulnerabilities.

Disclaimer: This remediation/mitigation strategy is based on the information available at the time of writing. Specific steps may need to be adjusted based on the environment and the latest information available from the theme developer. Consult with a security professional for assistance with implementing these measures. It is strongly recommended to use a patched version of the theme as soon as it becomes available.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-02-27 09:15:10
  • Updated Date: 2025-02-27 09:15:10

More Details

CVE-2025-1282