CVE-2024-3962 in Product Addons & Fields for WooCommerce Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/26/2024
The Product Addons & Fields for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the ppom_upload_file function in all versions up to, and including, 32.0.18. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible. Successful exploitation requires the PPOM Pro plugin to be installed along with a WooCommerce product that contains a file upload field to retrieve the correct nonce.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3962 affects the Product Addons & Fields for WooCommerce plugin, a widely used WordPress extension that enables merchants to add custom fields and addons to their WooCommerce products. This plugin facilitates enhanced product customization by allowing customers to upload files during the purchasing process, which is particularly useful for businesses requiring personalized product inputs such as logos, designs, or custom documents. The vulnerability resides within the ppom_upload_file function, which handles file upload operations for product addons, creating a critical security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors without authentication credentials.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of file types within the upload functionality, specifically lacking proper sanitization and verification of uploaded files. This missing validation creates an arbitrary file upload vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass normal file restrictions and upload malicious files such as php scripts, shell files, or other executable content to the target server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 as "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" which represents a well-documented weakness in web applications where user-provided files are not properly validated before being stored on the server. The absence of file type checking means that any file extension can be uploaded regardless of its content or potential malicious intent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected WordPress sites. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to achieve remote code execution on the compromised server, allowing them to gain full control over the affected website and potentially use it as a launching point for further attacks against the broader network infrastructure. The attack requires specific conditions to be met including the installation of the PPOM Pro plugin and the presence of a WooCommerce product with a file upload field, but these requirements are commonly found in e-commerce environments, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous. The need for a valid nonce to retrieve the correct upload endpoint adds a layer of complexity that could be overcome through social engineering or by exploiting other vulnerabilities in the system to obtain valid authentication tokens.
The attack vector for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" as it targets a publicly accessible web application component through an unauthenticated upload mechanism. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a critical risk to WordPress e-commerce sites that rely on WooCommerce product customization features. The exploitation process typically involves uploading a malicious file through the vulnerable upload endpoint, followed by accessing the uploaded file to execute commands on the server. This could lead to data breaches, website defacement, malware distribution, or the complete compromise of the affected system. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest plugin version, implementing proper file type validation, restricting file upload capabilities, and monitoring for suspicious upload activities.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the vulnerable plugin to version 32.0.19 or later, which addresses the file validation issue. Additionally, administrators should implement comprehensive file type restrictions on upload directories, ensure proper file extension validation, and consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload attempts. The principle of least privilege should be applied to file upload directories, limiting write permissions to only necessary processes. Regular security audits and monitoring of upload activities are essential to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and maintaining regular backups to ensure rapid recovery in case of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and file handling in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content in e-commerce environments where sensitive data and business operations are at stake.