CVE-2024-39621 in ListingPro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2024
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in CridioStudio ListingPro listingpro-plugin allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects ListingPro: from n/a through <= 2.9.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-39621 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the CridioStudio ListingPro listingpro-plugin, specifically impacting versions through 2.9.4. This weakness stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied input that is subsequently used in file operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of improper limitation of pathname to restricted directory, which is classified as CWE-22 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The issue manifests when the plugin fails to properly sanitize file paths before processing them, allowing attackers to manipulate directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the intended directory structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) attacks, where an attacker can inject and execute arbitrary PHP code by leveraging the path traversal mechanism. This occurs because the plugin does not adequately restrict file access to predefined directories, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, and other system resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct parameter manipulation, file upload functionality, or through crafted URLs that bypass normal access controls. The attack surface is widened by the fact that the plugin's file handling routines do not implement proper input validation or sanitization, making it susceptible to manipulation by attackers who can craft malicious paths to access restricted files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage the LFI vulnerability to read sensitive system files, including but not limited to wp-config.php, which contains database credentials, or other configuration files that may reveal additional system information. The vulnerability also enables attackers to upload and execute malicious files, potentially leading to persistent backdoors or further exploitation of the underlying system. Organizations running affected versions of the ListingPro plugin face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations, particularly in environments where sensitive customer or business data is stored. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for PHP and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, representing a critical entry point for adversaries seeking to establish persistent access to affected systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 2.9.5 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly filtered before being used in file operations. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file access, where only predetermined and validated files are allowed, provides an effective defense against such vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block path traversal attempts, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities within their application stack. Network segmentation and privilege separation should also be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to one component, they cannot easily move laterally within the network infrastructure.