CVE-2024-43345 in Landing Page Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/19/2024
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in PluginOps Landing Page Builder allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Landing Page Builder: from n/a through 1.5.2.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The CVE-2024-43345 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw within the PluginOps Landing Page Builder plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified initial version through 1.5.2.0. This vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied input within file handling mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate file paths and access restricted system directories. The flaw manifests as an improper limitation of pathname to a restricted directory, a classification that aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly restrict access to files and directories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform PHP local file inclusion attacks by manipulating input parameters that control file paths. When the plugin processes user input without proper sanitization or validation, it accepts maliciously crafted paths that bypass intended directory restrictions. This weakness allows adversaries to traverse the file system hierarchy and potentially access sensitive files such as configuration data, database credentials, or other system resources that should remain protected. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through web-based interfaces, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the plugin is installed and accessible to unauthenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attack vectors including remote code execution, data exfiltration, and system compromise. Attackers can leverage the path traversal capability to include arbitrary PHP files, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the plugin runs with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Landing Page Builder plugin, which is designed to create and manage landing pages, but the security flaw exposes underlying system resources that should remain isolated from user interaction. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly until the vulnerability is patched, potentially allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-43345 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin versions, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. System administrators should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious path manipulation, including implementing proper file path restrictions and using whitelisting techniques for file operations. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by detecting and blocking suspicious path traversal attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected plugins or applications within their infrastructure, as similar path traversal vulnerabilities may exist in other components. The remediation process must also include monitoring for exploitation attempts and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of any successful attacks that may occur despite defensive measures. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing path traversal attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.