CVE-2024-31300 in Easy Social Share Buttons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/17/2024
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in appscreo Easy Social Share Buttons allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Easy Social Share Buttons: from n/a through 9.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2024
The CVE-2024-31300 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw within the appscreo Easy Social Share Buttons WordPress plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified starting point through version 9.4. This vulnerability stems from improper limitation of pathname parameters to restricted directories, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied input can manipulate file system access. The flaw allows attackers to traverse the file system beyond intended boundaries, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive files, directories, and system resources.
This vulnerability manifests as a path traversal attack vector that exploits insufficient validation of user-provided input within the plugin's file handling mechanisms. When the plugin processes certain parameters that should be restricted to specific directories, it fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs, allowing malicious actors to craft requests that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to perform PHP local file inclusion attacks, where attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code or retrieve sensitive files from the server filesystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper system access. The path traversal condition allows for potential exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the WordPress ecosystem, including but not limited to arbitrary code execution, data exfiltration, and system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other sensitive data stored within the WordPress installation directory structure.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique, specifically under T1078 Valid Accounts, where attackers can leverage existing system access to expand their control. The vulnerability also aligns with T1566 Impersonation techniques, as attackers can potentially masquerade as legitimate system processes while accessing restricted files.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the Easy Social Share Buttons plugin to version 9.5 or later, which addresses the path traversal vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts, particularly those involving double dots or other traversal sequences. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls, restricting file system permissions, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress plugins can significantly reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can provide early detection of exploitation attempts, while regular backup procedures ensure recovery capability in case of successful compromise.