CVE-2024-1790 in Ajax Load More Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/09/2024
The WordPress Infinite Scroll – Ajax Load More plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Path Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 7.0.1 via the 'type' parameter. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access and above, to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. This is limited to Windows instances.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2026
The WordPress Infinite Scroll – Ajax Load More plugin presents a critical path traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1790 affecting all versions through 7.0.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the 'type' parameter within the plugin's functionality, creating an avenue for authenticated attackers with administrator privileges or higher to access arbitrary files on the affected server. The flaw represents a significant security weakness that directly contravenes standard security practices for file access controls and input validation. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning as it enables attackers to potentially extract sensitive information from the server, including configuration files, database credentials, and other confidential data that could compromise the entire WordPress installation and underlying infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's file handling mechanisms. When the 'type' parameter is processed, the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations. This allows attackers to manipulate the parameter to traverse the file system and access files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability is specifically limited to Windows instances, suggesting that the implementation relies on Windows-specific file path handling or that the attack vector exploits Windows-specific file system behaviors. This limitation does not reduce the severity but rather indicates a platform-specific implementation flaw that requires careful consideration during remediation efforts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to potentially escalate their privileges and gain deeper access to the compromised system. Administrators with access to the plugin's functionality can leverage this vulnerability to read system configuration files, WordPress core files, and potentially database connection details that could lead to further exploitation. The path traversal mechanism allows for arbitrary file reading, which means attackers can access not just configuration files but also log files, backup files, and other sensitive artifacts that might contain authentication tokens or other critical information. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it enables attackers to enumerate and access system files through the plugin interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-1790 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to the latest version where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement strict access controls and ensure that only authorized administrators have access to plugin management functions. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of all installed WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure that proper input validation is implemented across all file handling operations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block path traversal attempts can provide an additional layer of protection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and the need for comprehensive input validation practices that align with industry standards such as those recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project and the Center for Internet Security.