CVE-2024-1538 in File Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2024
The File Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in all versions up to, and including, 7.2.4. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the wp_file_manager page that includes files through the 'lang' parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include local JavaScript files that can be leveraged to achieve RCE via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link. This issue was partially patched in version 7.2.4, and fully patched in 7.2.5.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2025
The File Manager plugin for WordPress presents a critical cross-site request forgery vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1538 affecting versions up to and including 7.2.4. This vulnerability stems from inadequate nonce validation mechanisms within the wp_file_manager page, specifically when processing the 'lang' parameter. The flaw creates a dangerous condition where unauthenticated attackers can manipulate file inclusion operations to load local JavaScript files, establishing a potential pathway for remote code execution. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that requires social engineering to convince administrators to perform malicious actions, typically through crafted links that appear legitimate. The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as the attack chain can be leveraged to establish persistent access and execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This represents a significant risk to WordPress installations since the File Manager plugin is widely used and the vulnerability affects the core functionality of file management operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that administrators often perform file management tasks with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for affected organizations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses cross-site request forgery weaknesses in web applications, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation and authentication checks can create persistent security risks.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2024-1538 relies on the absence of proper nonce validation on the wp_file_manager page, which is a fundamental security control designed to prevent unauthorized requests from being executed. When the 'lang' parameter is processed without adequate verification, attackers can construct malicious requests that bypass standard security measures and manipulate the file inclusion mechanism to load arbitrary JavaScript content. This vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1566, which involves social engineering tactics to manipulate users into performing actions that compromise security. The exploitation process requires attackers to craft specific payloads that can be delivered through phishing emails, compromised websites, or malicious advertisements, making the attack vector particularly insidious. The partial patch implemented in version 7.2.4 suggests that the initial mitigation was incomplete, leaving systems vulnerable to continued exploitation until the full patch in version 7.2.5 was deployed. This incomplete remediation highlights the complexity of addressing CSRF vulnerabilities in web applications and the importance of comprehensive security testing before releasing patches. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor oversights in authentication and validation can create significant security gaps that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-1538 extends far beyond simple data theft or modification, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers who successfully leverage this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code on vulnerable WordPress installations, potentially leading to data exfiltration, service disruption, or the installation of additional malware. The requirement for administrator interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous since it can be used to establish long-term access to web applications that are often considered critical infrastructure components. Organizations running affected versions of the File Manager plugin face significant risk of unauthorized access to their file systems, potentially compromising not just WordPress content but entire server environments. The vulnerability affects a wide range of WordPress installations since the File Manager plugin is commonly used across various websites and organizations, making it a prime target for automated attacks and large-scale exploitation campaigns. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability when assessing their overall security posture, as it represents a potential entry point for more extensive attacks that could compromise multiple systems within an organization's infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to protect against CVE-2024-1538, beginning with the mandatory upgrade to version 7.2.5 or later, which contains the complete patch for this vulnerability. The upgrade process should be prioritized and tested in staging environments before deployment to production systems to ensure compatibility and prevent unintended disruptions. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the wp_file_manager page, monitoring for unusual file access patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of WordPress installations. Administrators should also implement user education programs to raise awareness about social engineering tactics that attackers might use to exploit this vulnerability, particularly through phishing campaigns that attempt to trick users into clicking malicious links. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs, while regular backup strategies ensure that organizations can recover quickly from successful attacks. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect and respond to emerging threats. Security teams should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems and applications. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential CSRF vulnerabilities within their WordPress installations and related web applications to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.