CVE-2024-11289 in Soledad Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/06/2024
The Soledad theme for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 8.5.9 via several functions like penci_archive_more_post_ajax_func, penci_more_post_ajax_func, and penci_more_featured_post_ajax_func. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include and execute PHP 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 PHP files can be uploaded and included. The exploitability of this is limited to Windows.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-11289 affects the Soledad WordPress theme, specifically targeting versions up to and including 8.5.9. This represents a critical local file inclusion flaw that resides within the theme's core functionality and demonstrates a significant security weakness in the WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within several key functions including penci_archive_more_post_ajax_func, penci_more_post_ajax_func, and penci_more_featured_post_ajax_func, which collectively create an attack surface that allows malicious actors to manipulate file inclusion parameters. The flaw operates at the application level and directly impacts the theme's AJAX handling mechanisms, where user-supplied parameters are not adequately sanitized or validated before being used in file operations. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" when considering the potential execution paths available to attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected servers, effectively bypassing standard access controls and authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects Windows environments, which introduces platform-specific considerations in the exploitation process and may limit the attack surface compared to cross-platform vulnerabilities. The ability to include and execute PHP files opens numerous attack vectors including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and full system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or when PHP files can be uploaded to the server. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the server, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability's exploitability is particularly concerning because it does not require authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with knowledge of the affected theme's functions and their corresponding parameters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-11289 should prioritize immediate remediation through theme updates to versions that address the local file inclusion vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures to prevent unauthorized file inclusion attempts, particularly focusing on the identified vulnerable functions within the Soledad theme. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns and blocking malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application code. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous file access patterns and unauthorized PHP execution attempts, with particular attention to Windows-specific attack signatures that may be employed by threat actors targeting this vulnerability. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other potentially vulnerable components within their WordPress installations and ensure that all themes and plugins are regularly updated to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing robust input validation controls as fundamental security practices to prevent such exploitation scenarios.