CVE-2024-38704 in Team Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2024
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in DynamicWebLab WordPress Team Manager allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects WordPress Team Manager: from n/a through 2.1.12.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
The CVE-2024-38704 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw within the WordPress Team Manager plugin developed by DynamicWebLab, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through 2.1.12. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path access, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate file system operations through crafted input parameters. The flaw manifests as an improper limitation of pathname to a restricted directory, which directly enables attackers to bypass intended access controls and potentially execute arbitrary code or access sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for PHP local file inclusion through path traversal techniques, where user-controllable input parameters are directly incorporated into file system operations without proper validation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that manipulate file path parameters to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries. This creates opportunities for unauthorized access to server files, including configuration files, database credentials, and potentially sensitive system information that should remain protected within restricted directories. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-94 Code Injection, combining directory traversal with code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to the underlying system. WordPress installations utilizing the affected Team Manager plugin become vulnerable to attacks that could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where WordPress sites are publicly accessible and regularly updated. This flaw affects the core security model of WordPress by undermining the expected file system isolation and access controls that should protect against unauthorized file operations.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigation strategies including immediate plugin updates to versions that address the path traversal vulnerability, along with comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify all instances of the vulnerable plugin and ensure proper access controls are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Phishing. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should include checks for similar path traversal issues across all installed plugins and themes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unpatched.