CVE-2024-10436 in Smart Messages for WooCommerce Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/29/2024
The WPC Smart Messages for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 4.2.1 via the get_condition_value function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The WPC Smart Messages for WooCommerce plugin presents a critical local file inclusion vulnerability that affects all versions through 4.2.1, creating a significant security risk for WordPress environments. This vulnerability resides within the get_condition_value function which fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file system operations. The flaw allows authenticated attackers who possess subscriber-level privileges or higher to manipulate the plugin's behavior by injecting malicious file paths that can subsequently be included and executed on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data within the plugin's core functionality. When the get_condition_value function processes input parameters, it does not properly filter or validate the data before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an attack vector that can be exploited through carefully crafted requests. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of an authenticated user session, meaning attackers who have gained subscriber-level access can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges and achieve arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it enables attackers to bypass existing access controls and potentially obtain sensitive data from the server. An attacker with subscriber-level permissions can upload images or other seemingly harmless file types and then manipulate the plugin to include these files, thereby executing malicious PHP code contained within them. This creates a persistent threat that can be used to establish backdoors, exfiltrate database credentials, or compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for 'Input Validation' and T1203 for 'Exploitation for Client Execution', representing a sophisticated attack pathway that leverages legitimate plugin functionality to achieve unauthorized access.
Organizations using this vulnerable plugin should immediately implement mitigations including restricting user permissions, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough code reviews of the affected plugin components. The recommended approach involves patching to version 4.2.2 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additionally, security teams should monitor for suspicious file uploads and implement strict file type validation mechanisms to prevent attackers from uploading potentially malicious content that could be leveraged in conjunction with this LFI vulnerability. The mitigation strategy must also include regular security assessments of third-party plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities that could compromise the overall security posture of WordPress installations.