CVE-2024-11740 in Download Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/19/2024
The The Download Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions up to, and including, 3.3.03. This is due to the software allowing users to execute an action that does not properly validate a value before running do_shortcode. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-11740 affects the Download Manager plugin for WordPress, a widely used tool for managing file downloads on WordPress websites. This plugin version 3.3.03 and earlier contains a critical security flaw that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes on affected systems. The issue stems from insufficient input validation within the plugin's shortcode execution mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's handling of user-supplied input during shortcode processing. Specifically, the software fails to properly validate or sanitize values before executing the do_shortcode function, which is a core WordPress function designed to process shortcode tags within content. This validation gap creates a direct execution path where attacker-controlled input can be processed as legitimate shortcode commands. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's core functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it affects the fundamental download management capabilities of WordPress sites using this plugin.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for WordPress administrators and website owners who use the Download Manager plugin. Unauthenticated attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary shortcodes that may contain malicious code, potentially leading to complete compromise of affected websites. This vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as executing arbitrary PHP code, accessing sensitive data, modifying website content, or even establishing persistent backdoors. The lack of authentication requirements means that any visitor to the website can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible WordPress installations.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-20, which represents "Improper Input Validation," and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for execution through scripting. The vulnerability represents a critical risk because it allows for arbitrary code execution without requiring any authentication, effectively providing attackers with full control over the affected WordPress installations. Organizations using the Download Manager plugin version 3.3.03 or earlier should immediately implement mitigations including plugin updates, input validation hardening, and network-level protections. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to the latest plugin version that addresses this vulnerability, implementing proper input validation measures, and monitoring for suspicious shortcode execution patterns within the affected systems.