CVE-2024-47324 in WP Timeline Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/05/2024
Path Traversal: '.../...//' 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-47324 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the Ex-Themes WP Timeline plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness manifests through the exploitation of malicious path traversal sequences such as '..././/', which allows unauthorized access to files and directories outside the intended application scope. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the WP Timeline plugin ranging from the initial release through version 3.6.7, creating a substantial attack surface for malicious actors targeting WordPress installations.
The technical implementation of this path traversal vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's file handling mechanisms. When the plugin processes user-supplied input containing traversal sequences, it fails to properly sanitize or validate these paths before accessing filesystem resources. This flaw enables attackers to manipulate file access requests and potentially retrieve sensitive files from the server's filesystem, including configuration files, database credentials, or other confidential information. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct URL manipulation or through crafted API requests that pass malicious paths to the vulnerable plugin functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Security researchers have identified that this flaw aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers can leverage path traversal to access system resources and potentially gain deeper system control. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise, particularly in environments where the vulnerable plugin is actively used. Organizations running WordPress sites with this plugin version face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to exposure of sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-47324 require immediate action including upgrading to the latest plugin version where the vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms and employ proper path sanitization techniques to prevent malicious traversal sequences from reaching the filesystem layer. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring tools can provide additional detection capabilities for suspicious path traversal attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected plugin across their infrastructure and ensure proper access controls are implemented. Security teams must also review and update their incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed logging of filesystem access patterns for forensic analysis purposes. Regular security audits and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other plugin components or custom applications within the organization's digital infrastructure.