CVE-2024-1773 in Packing Slips for WooCommerce Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2024
The PDF Invoices and Packing Slips For WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.7 via deserialization of untrusted input via the order_id parameter. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. No known POP chain is present in the vulnerable plugin. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it could allow the attacker to delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1773 affects the PDF Invoices and Packing Slips For WooCommerce plugin, a widely used WordPress extension that generates and manages PDF documents for WooCommerce orders. This plugin operates within the WordPress ecosystem and provides functionality for creating invoices and packing slips for online store transactions. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the plugin's codebase, specifically in how it handles the order_id parameter during the deserialization process. The issue impacts all versions up to and including 1.3.7, making it a significant concern for WordPress administrators who have not yet updated their installations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects authenticated users with subscriber-level access or higher, meaning that attackers who can obtain legitimate user credentials or exploit other authentication bypass techniques can leverage this flaw. The attack vector involves sending a maliciously crafted order_id parameter that contains serialized PHP objects, which are then deserialized without proper validation, creating a potential attack surface for malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests as a PHP Object Injection vulnerability classified under CWE-502, which occurs when untrusted data is passed to the unserialize() function without proper sanitization. This deserialization process allows attackers to inject malicious PHP objects that can be executed within the context of the vulnerable WordPress installation. The vulnerability does not contain a known POP (Point of No Return) chain within the affected plugin itself, which means that the immediate exploitation potential is limited to the capabilities provided by the plugin's own codebase. However, the absence of a direct POP chain does not eliminate the threat, as attackers can potentially chain this vulnerability with other vulnerabilities present in the target system through additional plugins or themes. The attacker's ability to inject PHP objects provides a foundation for more sophisticated attacks, as these objects can contain methods that execute arbitrary code or manipulate the application's behavior in harmful ways. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level and can be exploited by users who already have some level of access to the WordPress system, making it easier to achieve persistence and escalate privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-1773 extends beyond simple data manipulation or information disclosure. While the immediate effects may seem limited to the PDF generation functionality, the potential for code execution through PHP object injection creates a serious threat to the overall security posture of WordPress installations. Attackers with subscriber-level access can leverage this vulnerability to perform actions that would typically require administrator privileges, including but not limited to arbitrary file deletion, data exfiltration, and potentially full system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to customer data, order information, and potentially sensitive business intelligence. In environments where multiple plugins and themes are installed, the risk increases significantly as attackers can chain this vulnerability with other weaknesses present in the system. This chaining capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in complex WordPress environments where numerous third-party components are present, as the attack surface expands exponentially. The impact is further amplified because the vulnerability affects a plugin that is commonly used in e-commerce environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise online stores and access sensitive transactional data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-1773 should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed in newer versions of the PDF Invoices and Packing Slips For WooCommerce plugin. WordPress administrators should prioritize updating to the latest available version of the plugin and ensure that all related components are also updated to prevent potential exploitation. Security monitoring should include scanning for unauthorized modifications to plugin files and monitoring for suspicious activity related to order processing and PDF generation. Access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized users have subscriber-level access or higher, as this vulnerability requires at least this level of access to exploit effectively. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for patterns associated with PHP object injection attacks, particularly those involving serialized data in URL parameters. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes, as the attack landscape continues to evolve. The principle of least privilege should be enforced across all WordPress installations, limiting user access to only the functionality necessary for their role. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure that all WordPress components are kept up to date with the latest security fixes, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions to protect against known threats.