CVE-2024-27954 in Automatic Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/17/2024
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in WP Automatic Automatic allows Path Traversal, Server Side Request Forgery.This issue affects Automatic: from n/a through 3.92.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The CVE-2024-27954 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw within the WP Automatic plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unknown starting point through 3.92.0. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of pathname to a restricted directory. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate file paths and access restricted directories on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's file handling mechanisms. When the WP Automatic plugin processes user-supplied parameters for file operations, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the pathname inputs, allowing malicious actors to craft specially crafted requests that traverse directory structures beyond the intended boundaries. This weakness manifests when the plugin accepts external inputs without sufficient restrictions on the characters or sequences that can be used in file path specifications, enabling attackers to include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ in their requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to encompass server-side request forgery capabilities, significantly amplifying the potential damage. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected server. The combination of path traversal and server-side request forgery creates a particularly dangerous attack vector where malicious actors can not only read files but also make unauthorized requests to internal services, potentially leading to further exploitation of the underlying infrastructure. This dual nature of the vulnerability allows for both information disclosure and potential system compromise scenarios.
Organizations running affected versions of the WP Automatic plugin face significant security risks that require immediate attention and remediation. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web application requests, API calls, or even through social engineering techniques that trick administrators into triggering the vulnerable code paths. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the WordPress installation has elevated privileges or where sensitive data is stored in accessible locations. Security teams should implement immediate monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and unauthorized directory traversal attempts while preparing for the necessary plugin updates.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to the latest available version of the WP Automatic plugin where the path traversal vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, web application firewalls configured to detect and block directory traversal patterns, and regular security scanning of the WordPress installation for similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege access controls can help limit the potential impact even if exploitation occurs. Security professionals should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential for seemingly simple flaws to create complex security implications in web applications.