CVE-2024-13869 in Migration, Backup, Staging Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/22/2025
The Migration, Backup, Staging – WPvivid Backup & Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the 'upload_files' function in all versions up to, and including, 0.9.112. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible. NOTE: Uploaded files are only accessible on WordPress instances running on the NGINX web server as the existing .htaccess within the target file upload folder prevents access on Apache servers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2025
The CVE-2024-13869 vulnerability resides within the WPvivid Backup & Migration plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting the migration, backup, and staging functionalities. This security flaw represents a critical path to potential system compromise, as it allows authenticated attackers with administrator privileges to upload arbitrary files to the target WordPress installation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the upload_files function, which fails to properly verify file types before processing uploads. The affected versions range from the initial release through 0.9.112, indicating a prolonged period during which this weakness was present in the plugin's codebase. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an attacker to already possess administrator-level credentials, which significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely, as privilege escalation attacks or credential theft could potentially provide access to these elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the lack of proper file type validation in the upload_files function, which creates a direct path for attackers to bypass normal security restrictions. This flaw aligns with CWE-434, which describes the weakness of unrestricted file upload, a common vulnerability pattern that allows attackers to upload malicious files that can be executed by the web server. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution capabilities, allowing attackers to potentially gain full control over the compromised WordPress instance. The specific implementation of the vulnerability in this plugin's codebase suggests that the developers failed to implement proper file extension validation or content type checking, which are fundamental security measures for any file upload functionality. The absence of such validation mechanisms creates a scenario where attackers can upload files with extensions that should be restricted, such as php, aspx, or other executable formats that could be interpreted and executed by the web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides a potential pathway for attackers to establish persistent access to compromised WordPress installations. The fact that uploaded files are only accessible on NGINX web servers while being blocked on Apache servers due to existing .htaccess configurations demonstrates the complex nature of web server security configurations and how different server environments can either mitigate or exacerbate vulnerabilities. This server-specific behavior creates a scenario where the vulnerability's exploitation is limited by the hosting environment, but it also means that administrators must be aware of their specific server configurations to properly assess risk. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations that rely on the WPvivid plugin for backup and migration operations, which are commonly used features across numerous websites. The potential for remote code execution through this vulnerability means that attackers could deploy backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The privilege requirement of administrator access does not diminish the severity, as administrators typically have access to sensitive data and system configurations that can be leveraged for broader attacks.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-13869 should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the file type validation issues, as well as implementing additional security measures to protect against potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should ensure that all WordPress installations using the WPvivid plugin are updated to the latest available version that contains the patched upload_files function. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security layers such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file upload attempts, regardless of the plugin's current state. The vulnerability's behavior in NGINX environments highlights the importance of understanding server-specific security configurations and their interaction with application-level security controls. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload patterns or attempts to access uploaded files, particularly in environments where the vulnerability is exploitable. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and their configurations should be conducted to identify similar validation weaknesses that could lead to similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for exploitation through web applications is directly applicable here, as this vulnerability represents a classic web application exploit that leads to remote code execution. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for WordPress administrator accounts and regular credential rotation can help minimize the impact if an attacker does gain administrative access.