CVE-2024-44012 in WP Newsletter Subscription Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/05/2024
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in wpdev33 WP Newsletter Subscription wp-newsletter-subscription allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects WP Newsletter Subscription: from n/a through <= 1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2026
The CVE-2024-44012 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw in the wp-newsletter-subscription plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions prior to 1.1. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper limitation of pathname parameters, creating a dangerous condition that allows attackers to manipulate file access paths. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into file system operations without sufficient sanitization or restriction mechanisms. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, making them particularly dangerous in web application contexts where file system access is involved. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its potential to enable PHP Local File Inclusion attacks, where malicious actors can leverage the path traversal mechanism to include arbitrary PHP files, potentially leading to remote code execution or unauthorized data access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes user input that controls file paths without proper validation or restriction. Attackers can manipulate parameters to traverse directory structures and access files outside the intended restricted directories. This flaw typically manifests when the plugin accepts user-controllable input and directly uses it in file system operations such as file_get_contents, include, or require statements. The vulnerability's presence in the wp-newsletter-subscription plugin means that any functionality relying on user input for file operations becomes susceptible to manipulation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.002 which covers "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachments" and T1059.007 which involves "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python," though the primary exploitation vector here involves direct file system manipulation rather than command execution. The issue affects all versions of the plugin from the initial release through version 1.1, indicating that the developers failed to implement proper input validation mechanisms during the plugin's development lifecycle.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-44012 extends beyond simple file access violations and can lead to severe consequences for affected WordPress installations. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to read sensitive files such as wp-config.php containing database credentials, user authentication details, or other confidential information stored in the WordPress directory structure. The vulnerability also opens the door for attackers to potentially include malicious PHP files, enabling remote code execution capabilities that could result in full system compromise. Organizations running vulnerable versions of this plugin face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to user information, and potential hosting environment compromise. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in shared hosting environments where multiple WordPress installations exist, as it could enable attackers to escalate privileges or move laterally within the hosting infrastructure. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their comprehensive threat assessment, especially when evaluating the security posture of WordPress installations that utilize third-party plugins.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-44012 should prioritize immediate patching of the wp-newsletter-subscription plugin to version 1.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are strictly validated before being used in file system operations. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file access, where only predetermined safe paths are allowed, provides an effective defense against path traversal attacks. Security measures should include restricting file system access permissions for WordPress installations, implementing proper directory structure restrictions, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations, reviewing all third-party plugins for similar vulnerabilities and implementing automated scanning tools to identify potential path traversal issues. The principle of least privilege should be applied to file system access, ensuring that WordPress processes operate with minimal required permissions and that sensitive files are properly protected. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability assessment procedures should be established to proactively identify and remediate similar issues across the entire WordPress ecosystem, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in preventing serious security incidents.