CVE-2024-49260 in Gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2024
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in Limbcode WordPress Gallery Plugin – Limb Image Gallery limb-gallery allows Code Injection.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 • 04/06/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2024-49260 represents a critical security flaw in the Limb Image Gallery WordPress plugin that exposes systems to remote code execution risks through unrestricted file upload capabilities. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category of Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security where applications fail to properly validate file uploads, particularly those with executable or script-like extensions. The issue affects versions of the plugin from the initial release through version 1.5.7, indicating a prolonged period during which systems remained vulnerable to exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's file upload mechanism. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious files with extensions that are typically associated with executable code or web shells, such as .php, .jsp, .asp, or other script-based formats. When these files are uploaded to the server, they bypass security checks that should prevent the execution of potentially harmful code, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the web server and potentially escalate privileges within the affected WordPress environment. The vulnerability specifically enables code injection attacks, which means that attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the target system through the uploaded malicious files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a direct pathway to compromise WordPress installations that utilize the affected plugin. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious code, they can establish persistent access to the server, potentially leading to data theft, defacement of the website, or use of the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to the overall security posture of organizations relying on WordPress platforms, as it allows for the execution of commands with the privileges of the web server process, which may include database access and administrative functions. This threat is particularly concerning given that WordPress remains one of the most widely used content management systems, making vulnerable installations attractive targets for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-49260 should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the file upload validation issues. Organizations must ensure that all instances of the Limb Image Gallery plugin are updated to the latest secure version, which should include proper file type validation, extension filtering, and content analysis mechanisms. Additional protective measures include implementing proper file upload restrictions at the web server level, configuring secure file upload directories with restricted permissions, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential compromise indicators and implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file uploads. The remediation process should follow industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, with particular attention to the principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies. Regular security audits and patch management procedures should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the WordPress ecosystem, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing remote code execution attacks.