CVE-2024-13623 in Order Export for WooCommerce Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/31/2025
The Order Export for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 3.24 via the 'uploads' directory. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to extract sensitive data stored insecurely in the /wp-content/uploads directory which can contain exported order information. The plugin is only vulnerable when 'Order data storage' is set to 'WordPress posts storage (legacy)', and cannot be exploited when the default option of 'High-performance order storage' is enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-13623 affects the Order Export for WooCommerce plugin, a widely used WordPress extension that facilitates the export of e-commerce order data. This security flaw represents a critical exposure risk that stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the plugin's file storage mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the plugin's configuration utilizes the legacy WordPress posts storage method for order data management, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to confidential customer transaction information. The issue resides in the plugin's insecure directory structure where exported order data is stored in the standard WordPress uploads directory without adequate access controls or authentication requirements.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the accessible 'uploads' directory within the WordPress content folder, where the plugin stores exported order information in an unsecured manner. When the 'Order data storage' setting is configured to 'WordPress posts storage (legacy)', the plugin creates files containing sensitive customer data including order details, customer information, payment records, and other proprietary business data. This configuration bypasses normal WordPress security measures and creates a direct attack surface that allows any unauthenticated user to access these files through standard web requests. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-200, which categorizes insecure direct object references and information exposure issues, where the plugin fails to implement proper access controls for sensitive data storage locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass significant business and regulatory risks. Unauthenticated attackers can systematically harvest exported order data, potentially gaining access to complete customer transaction histories, personal identification information, and financial records. This exposure creates substantial risk for businesses operating e-commerce platforms, as the compromised data could be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or competitive intelligence gathering. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 3.24, representing a widespread risk across numerous installations. Organizations using WooCommerce stores with this plugin configuration face potential compliance violations under data protection regulations such as gdpr, pci dss, and other privacy frameworks that mandate proper handling of sensitive customer information.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and can be automated through standard web scanning tools, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. Attackers can simply navigate to the plugin's upload directory structure and download the exported order files without requiring any authentication credentials or privileged access. The default 'High-performance order storage' configuration provides protection against this vulnerability, but many installations remain configured to use the legacy storage method due to compatibility concerns or administrative oversight. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including disabling the vulnerable plugin configuration, restricting access to the uploads directory through web server configuration, or applying the latest plugin updates that address this exposure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566.001, which involves credential harvesting through phishing or exploitation of vulnerable applications, and T1071.004, which covers application layer protocols including web protocols that may be leveraged for data exfiltration. Proper remediation requires immediate configuration changes and comprehensive monitoring of access logs to detect potential exploitation attempts.