CVE-2024-35174 in Flo Forms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/17/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Flothemes Flo Forms.This issue affects Flo Forms: from n/a through 1.0.42.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-35174 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Flothemes Flo Forms plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified starting point through version 1.0.42. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient authorization checks, which is classified as CWE-862 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw allows unauthorized users to bypass intended access controls and potentially gain access to restricted functionality or data within the plugin's framework.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user permissions before executing sensitive operations within the Flo Forms plugin. When a user attempts to access certain features or perform administrative actions, the system fails to properly verify whether the user possesses the necessary privileges to carry out such operations. This oversight creates a pathway for malicious actors or unauthorized individuals to exploit the system and perform actions they should not be permitted to execute. The vulnerability specifically affects the authorization mechanisms implemented within the plugin's codebase, where proper access control checks are either missing or improperly implemented.
From an operational perspective, this missing authorization vulnerability poses significant risks to systems running affected versions of Flo Forms. Attackers could potentially manipulate the plugin's functionality to perform unauthorized actions such as modifying form configurations, accessing sensitive data, or executing administrative commands. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate their privileges within the application environment. This weakness particularly affects WordPress environments where Flo Forms is installed, as the plugin likely integrates with WordPress's user management and permission systems, creating additional attack vectors for exploitation.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and unauthorized access. The missing authorization check creates opportunities for adversaries to move laterally within the application environment and potentially gain deeper access to the underlying system. Organizations running affected versions should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat that requires immediate attention, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the plugin's access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-35174 should prioritize updating to the latest available version of Flo Forms where the authorization checks have been properly implemented and tested. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other similar authorization flaws within the organization's software ecosystem and ensure that proper access control mechanisms are consistently implemented across all applications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.