CVE-2024-11024 in AppPresser Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/26/2024
The AppPresser – Mobile App Framework plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation via account takeover in all versions up to, and including, 4.4.6. This is due to the plugin not properly validating a user's password reset code prior to updating their password. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers, with knowledge of a user's email address, to reset the user's password and gain access to their account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2025
The CVE-2024-11024 vulnerability affects the AppPresser – Mobile App Framework plugin for WordPress, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables account takeover attacks. This vulnerability exists in all plugin versions up to and including 4.4.6, making it a widespread concern for WordPress sites utilizing this framework. The security issue stems from improper validation of password reset codes during the authentication process, creating a significant gap in the plugin's security architecture that malicious actors can exploit.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's insufficient validation mechanism for password reset operations. When users initiate a password reset request, the system should verify the legitimacy of the reset code before allowing password updates. However, in this vulnerable implementation, the plugin fails to properly authenticate the reset code, allowing attackers to bypass this crucial security check. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and proper authentication controls that should be enforced during sensitive operations such as password changes. The vulnerability creates a path where an attacker can manipulate the password reset flow without proper authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables unauthenticated attackers to gain full control over user accounts simply by knowing a victim's email address. This makes the attack surface particularly broad since email addresses are often publicly available or easily obtainable through various means. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can assume the identity of the compromised user, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, administrative privileges, or other account-specific resources. The implications extend beyond individual account compromise to potential broader system infiltration, especially if compromised accounts have elevated permissions within the WordPress environment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function) and maps to ATT&CK technique T1110.003 (Password Policy) in the adversary tactics and techniques framework. Organizations using the AppPresser plugin are at risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The lack of proper code validation during password reset operations represents a fundamental security flaw that undermines the integrity of the authentication system. Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations including plugin updates, network monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts, and user education regarding the importance of strong password practices.
The recommended remediation approach involves immediate patching of the AppPresser plugin to version 4.4.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the password reset validation flaw. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing additional security measures such as two-factor authentication, rate limiting for password reset requests, and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and authentication controls in web applications, particularly in plugins that handle sensitive user data and authentication processes. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other plugins or themes.