CVE-2024-47323 in WP Timeline Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/05/2024
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Ex-Themes WP Timeline – Vertical and Horizontal timeline plugin wp-timelines.This issue affects WP Timeline – Vertical and Horizontal timeline plugin: from n/a through <= 3.6.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2026
The CVE-2024-47323 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that specifically impacts the Ex-Themes WP Timeline plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of include or require statements where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being used in file inclusion operations. The issue creates a dangerous condition where an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter to include arbitrary files from remote servers or local system paths, potentially leading to remote code execution or unauthorized data access. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including version 3.6.7, indicating a long-standing flaw that has remained unpatched for an extended period.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the plugin's file inclusion mechanisms. When the plugin processes user-provided parameters for timeline rendering or configuration, it directly incorporates these values into include/require statements without adequate sanitization. This pattern aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation, and specifically manifests as a PHP Remote File Inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to execute malicious code on the target system. The flaw operates by accepting a filename parameter that gets directly passed to PHP's include or require functions, bypassing normal security controls that would prevent unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted within WordPress environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to complete compromise of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability enables attackers to include malicious PHP files from remote servers, allowing for the execution of shell commands, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. Additionally, attackers could exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive files from the server, access database credentials, or escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning because WordPress plugins often have elevated permissions and can access sensitive system resources, making this vulnerability a prime target for exploitation.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 3.6.8 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization of user-provided parameters. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to prevent outbound connections to suspicious domains and monitor for unusual file inclusion patterns in web server logs. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting the plugin's file access permissions and implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1505.003 (Server-Side Include) and CWE-98 emphasizes the need for comprehensive security controls including web application firewalls, regular security audits, and proper code review processes to prevent similar flaws in other components of the WordPress ecosystem.