CVE-2024-49330 in Nice Backgrounds Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2024
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in brx8r Nice Backgrounds nicebackgrounds allows Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server.This issue affects Nice Backgrounds: from n/a through <= 1.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49330 represents a critical security flaw in the brx8r Nice Backgrounds plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions from the initial release through version 1.0. This issue constitutes an unrestricted file upload vulnerability that allows malicious actors to bypass normal security restrictions and upload potentially harmful files to the target web server. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of file types during the upload process, creating an opportunity for attackers to exploit the system and gain unauthorized access to the underlying infrastructure. The flaw directly enables the upload of web shells, which are malicious scripts that provide attackers with remote command execution capabilities and persistent access to the compromised system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-434, which specifically addresses the unrestricted upload of files with dangerous types, and represents a severe weakness in the input validation and file handling mechanisms of the affected plugin.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker uploads a malicious file through the plugin's file upload functionality without proper type checking or sanitization. The vulnerability allows for the execution of arbitrary code on the target server, as demonstrated by the ability to upload web shells that can be executed by the web server. This creates a persistent backdoor that attackers can use to maintain access to the compromised system and escalate privileges. The unrestricted nature of the upload means that attackers can bypass normal security controls and upload files regardless of their type or content, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous. The affected plugin's lack of proper file type validation and content inspection creates a direct pathway for attackers to compromise the web server and potentially gain access to sensitive data or use the compromised system for further attacks against other systems within the network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications to establish persistent access through the use of web shells.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-49330 extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. The web shell upload capability allows attackers to execute commands on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations using the affected plugin are at risk of having their web servers compromised, which could result in data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also increases the attack surface for the entire WordPress installation, as attackers can use the compromised plugin to gain access to other parts of the system or to use the compromised server as a launching point for attacks against other systems. The impact is particularly severe because the vulnerability affects the core functionality of the plugin, making it a prime target for exploitation by threat actors who seek to establish persistent access to web servers. The lack of proper input validation creates a direct pathway for attackers to execute malicious code and potentially escalate their privileges to gain administrative control over the affected system. This vulnerability requires immediate remediation through patch updates or complete removal of the vulnerable plugin from the WordPress installation to prevent exploitation and maintain system integrity.