CVE-2021-24212 in WooCommerce Help Scout Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2021
The WooCommerce Help Scout WordPress plugin before 2.9.1 (https://woocommerce.com/products/woocommerce-help-scout/) allows unauthenticated users to upload any files to the site which by default will end up in wp-content/uploads/hstmp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-24212 affects the WooCommerce Help Scout WordPress plugin version 2.9.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress-based e-commerce platforms. This vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and file upload validation mechanisms within the plugin's implementation, creating a pathway for unauthenticated attackers to compromise WordPress installations. The affected plugin, which integrates WooCommerce with Help Scout customer support systems, was designed to facilitate seamless communication between online stores and support teams, but this flaw transforms it into a potential attack vector for malicious file uploads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a lack of proper authentication checks during file upload operations. Unauthenticated users can directly access the file upload endpoint and submit arbitrary files to the WordPress installation without requiring valid credentials or administrative privileges. The uploaded files are subsequently stored in the wp-content/uploads/hstmp directory, which is a default WordPress upload location accessible through standard web requests. This misconfiguration allows attackers to bypass standard WordPress security measures that typically restrict file uploads to authenticated administrators, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute malicious code on affected systems. The uploaded files can include web shells, malicious scripts, or other payload types that enable persistent access to compromised WordPress installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive customer data, modify product information, or manipulate the online store's functionality. The vulnerability affects not only the plugin's immediate functionality but also compromises the broader WordPress environment, potentially leading to complete system takeover and data breaches.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files from untrusted sources without proper validation. The flaw also corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves the exploitation of vulnerabilities in software to gain initial access to systems. Organizations running affected versions of the WooCommerce Help Scout plugin should immediately upgrade to version 2.9.1 or later to mitigate the risk. Additional protective measures include implementing proper file type validation, restricting upload directory permissions, and monitoring for suspicious file uploads in the wp-content/uploads directory. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and core installations remain essential for identifying similar vulnerabilities that could compromise system integrity and customer data security.