CVE-2024-43996 in ElementsKit Pro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2024
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in ElementsKit ElementsKit Pro allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects ElementsKit Pro: from n/a through 3.6.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-43996 represents a critical path traversal flaw in ElementsKit Pro version 3.6.0 and earlier, classified under CWE-22 as improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate file paths and access unauthorized files on the server through PHP local file inclusion techniques. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are used to construct file paths within the application's file handling mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access sensitive system files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to read arbitrary files on the server filesystem, potentially exposing configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other sensitive information. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to escalate their privileges and gain deeper access to the system infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a widely used WordPress plugin, making it a prime target for automated exploitation attempts. The path traversal mechanism allows for PHP local file inclusion, which can lead to remote code execution if the application processes the included files as PHP code rather than plain text. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to execute malicious code on the target server, potentially leading to full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-43996 should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization measures that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of ElementsKit Pro where this vulnerability has been patched. The implementation of proper access controls and file permission settings can help limit the damage from potential exploitation attempts. Security measures should include disabling unnecessary file inclusion capabilities, implementing proper path normalization techniques, and using allowlists for acceptable file paths rather than denylists. Additionally, organizations should monitor their systems for suspicious file access patterns and implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for PHP and T1566 for malicious file inclusion, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security layers. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and plugins within the WordPress ecosystem, as path traversal vulnerabilities often indicate broader architectural security issues that require systematic remediation approaches.