CVE-2024-49258 in Gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2024
Path Traversal: '.../...//' vulnerability in Limbcode WordPress Gallery Plugin – Limb Image Gallery limb-gallery.This issue affects WordPress Gallery Plugin – Limb Image Gallery: from n/a through <= 1.5.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49258 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the Limbcode WordPress Gallery Plugin, specifically affecting the Limb Image Gallery component. This security weakness manifests through the exploitation of directory traversal sequences such as '..././/', which allows unauthorized access to files and directories outside the intended web root. The vulnerability exists in versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.5.7, indicating a prolonged window of exposure for affected WordPress installations. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of file path parameters, particularly when processing user-supplied data that controls file access operations within the gallery plugin's functionality.
The technical implementation of this path traversal vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes file requests without proper validation of the requested file paths. Attackers can manipulate the input parameters to navigate through the file system hierarchy by using sequences like '..././/', which effectively bypasses normal access controls and allows retrieval of arbitrary files from the server. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, wp-config.php, and potentially other system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to execute further malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to critical system files that may contain database connection details, administrative credentials, or other sensitive information that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability also potentially allows for arbitrary code execution if the attacker can upload malicious files through the vulnerable path traversal mechanism, providing a foothold for persistent access and lateral movement within the network. This represents a significant risk to WordPress site administrators who may unknowingly leave vulnerable versions of the plugin installed on their servers, particularly given the broad compatibility range of affected versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-49258 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the path traversal vulnerability, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. System administrators should implement robust input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious path traversal sequences from being processed by the plugin. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file system access permissions for the WordPress installation directory and ensuring that the web server process runs with minimal required privileges. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth by detecting and blocking suspicious path traversal attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other plugins and themes, while maintaining current awareness of security advisories from WordPress.org and other trusted sources. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework principles for defensive measures, particularly focusing on privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques that attackers might employ after initial access through path traversal exploits.