CVE-2024-28890 in Forminator Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/23/2024
Forminator prior to 1.29.0 contains an unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type vulnerability. If this vulnerability is exploited, a remote attacker may obtain sensitive information by accessing files on the server, alter the site that uses the plugin, and cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28890 affects the Forminator plugin for WordPress systems prior to version 1.29.0, representing a critical unrestricted file upload flaw that enables remote attackers to execute malicious code on affected systems. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's file upload functionality where proper validation and sanitization mechanisms are absent or insufficient, allowing attackers to upload files with potentially dangerous extensions such as php, aspx, or other server-side script files. The issue stems from inadequate input validation that fails to properly filter file types and extensions, creating an exploitable condition that bypasses security controls typically implemented to prevent malicious file uploads. According to CWE-434, this vulnerability maps directly to unrestricted file upload flaws that permit attackers to upload and execute arbitrary code on target systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning as Forminator is a widely used form building plugin for WordPress, making numerous websites vulnerable to this class of attack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves an attacker uploading a malicious file to the server through the plugin's upload interface without proper authorization or validation. Once successfully uploaded, the malicious file becomes executable on the web server, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access, execute arbitrary commands, or manipulate the target website's functionality. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it enables information disclosure through file access, allowing attackers to read sensitive files that may contain database credentials, configuration settings, or other confidential data. The potential for denial-of-service conditions arises when attackers upload large files or malicious scripts that consume system resources or corrupt the application's functionality, leading to complete service unavailability for legitimate users. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and input validation, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate their privileges and compromise the entire WordPress installation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28890 is severe and multifaceted, affecting both the availability and integrity of affected WordPress installations. Organizations running vulnerable Forminator versions face potential data breaches, website defacement, and complete system compromise that can result in significant financial and reputational damage. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target systems without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited security monitoring capabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, enabling attackers to move laterally within compromised networks and establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to deploy additional malware, conduct reconnaissance activities, or use the compromised system as a launch point for attacks against other networked systems. Organizations may experience service disruption, data loss, and regulatory compliance violations that can result in substantial financial penalties and legal consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28890 require immediate action including updating the Forminator plugin to version 1.29.0 or later, which includes proper file type validation and sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should implement additional security controls such as restricting file upload directories, implementing strict file type whitelisting, and configuring proper file permissions to prevent execution of uploaded files. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious upload attempts, while regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential weaknesses. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring of file upload activities to detect suspicious behavior and establish incident response procedures for rapid remediation. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and sanitization of uploaded files, ensuring that only safe file types are accepted and that uploaded files are properly stored and handled to prevent execution. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be enforced across all WordPress installations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current security configurations and following security best practices established by industry standards and frameworks.