CVE-2024-3022 in BookingPress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/04/2024
The BookingPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to insufficient filename validation in the 'bookingpress_process_upload' function in all versions up to, and including 1.0.87. This allows an authenticated attacker with administrator-level capabilities or higher to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server, enabling remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3022 affects the BookingPress plugin for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of affected web applications. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's file upload mechanism, specifically within the 'bookingpress_process_upload' function. The vulnerability exists across all versions up to and including 1.0.87, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who have not yet updated their installations. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it requires only administrator-level privileges or higher to exploit, meaning that attackers who have gained access to administrative accounts can immediately leverage this weakness to compromise the entire WordPress installation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes the improper restriction of uploads of executable files. The insufficient filename validation in the bookingpress_process_upload function fails to properly sanitize or restrict file extensions, allowing attackers to upload malicious files with potentially dangerous extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp. This weakness creates a direct pathway for remote code execution, as the uploaded files can be executed within the web server context. The vulnerability operates through a straightforward exploitation vector where an authenticated user can simply upload a malicious payload through the plugin's legitimate upload interface, bypassing normal security restrictions that would typically prevent such actions.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-3022 extends far beyond simple file upload capabilities, as it enables full system compromise through remote code execution. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application user. This creates opportunities for data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, lateral movement within the network, and potential establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability can be exploited to gain complete control over the affected WordPress installation, potentially leading to broader compromise of the hosting environment and any connected systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that BookingPress is a widely used plugin, meaning that numerous websites are potentially vulnerable to this attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-3022 must prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the file validation flaw, as this represents the most effective solution. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including restricting file upload capabilities to only trusted users, implementing strict file extension validation, and configuring proper file permissions on the web server. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious upload patterns and blocking known malicious file types. Security monitoring should include regular audits of uploaded files and implementation of intrusion detection systems that can identify unauthorized file upload activities. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls to minimize the potential impact of compromised administrator accounts, and maintain regular backups to ensure rapid recovery from successful attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure file handling practices in web application development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities and T1059 for command and script injection.