CVE-2024-43249 in Bit Form Pro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/19/2024
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in Bit Apps Bit Form Pro allows Command Injection.This issue affects Bit Form Pro: from n/a through 2.6.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-43249 represents a critical security flaw in Bit Apps Bit Form Pro plugin versions prior to 2.6.5, where unrestricted file upload functionality enables command injection attacks through dangerous file types. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-434 which specifically addresses unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists within the file upload handling mechanism of the Bit Form Pro plugin, which fails to properly validate or sanitize file extensions and content before allowing uploads to proceed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's file upload functionality. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious files with extensions that appear legitimate but contain malicious code designed to execute commands on the target server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for command injection, meaning that an attacker who successfully uploads a malicious file can potentially execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a severe attack surface that can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-43249 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold in the affected environment. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can establish backdoors, install additional malware, or use the compromised system as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects all versions of Bit Form Pro from the initial release through version 2.6.4, indicating a long-standing flaw that has remained unpatched for an extended period. This prolonged exposure increases the risk of successful exploitation, especially given that many WordPress installations may not be regularly updated or monitored for security patches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-43249 must include immediate patching of the Bit Form Pro plugin to version 2.6.5 or later, which addresses the unrestricted file upload vulnerability. Organizations should implement additional defensive measures such as restricting file upload capabilities, implementing strict file type validation, and configuring web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious file upload attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the multi-stage nature of exploitation that attackers can employ. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential attack vectors and ensure that all WordPress plugins and themes are kept current with security updates. Regular monitoring of file upload activities and implementing automated scanning for malicious file content can help detect exploitation attempts before they succeed.