CVE-2024-37419 in Cowidgets Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/09/2024
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in Codeless Cowidgets – Elementor Addons allows Path Traversal.This issue affects Cowidgets – Elementor Addons: from n/a through 1.1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2024
The CVE-2024-37419 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw within the Codeless Cowidgets – Elementor Addons plugin for WordPress, classified under CWE-22 as improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file access attempts. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate file paths and potentially access sensitive files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from an unspecified starting point through version 1.1.1, indicating that all versions within this range are susceptible to exploitation.
The technical implementation of this path traversal vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes user-supplied input without adequate validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the intended file system boundaries. This allows unauthorized access to files that should remain restricted, potentially exposing sensitive data, configuration files, or even system credentials. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it operates within a WordPress plugin ecosystem where users may have elevated privileges, making the attack surface more expansive.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and potentially achieve full system compromise. When exploited successfully, the path traversal vulnerability allows unauthorized file access that could lead to information disclosure, remote code execution, or denial of service conditions. The affected plugin's integration with Elementor, a popular page builder tool, means that exploitation could occur through various user interactions with the WordPress admin interface or frontend components. This creates multiple potential attack vectors that security teams must consider when assessing risk.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-37419 should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the path traversal vulnerability, as well as implementing additional defensive measures. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor system logs for suspicious file access patterns. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as attackers may use compromised credentials or social engineering to gain initial access before exploiting the path traversal flaw. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.