CVE-2024-50495 in Plugin Propagator Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2024
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in nunomorgadinho Plugin Propagator wp-propagator allows Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server.This issue affects Plugin Propagator: from n/a through <= 0.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50495 represents a critical security flaw in the nunomorgadinho Plugin Propagator wp-propagator WordPress plugin. This issue manifests as an unrestricted file upload vulnerability that permits malicious actors to bypass normal file validation mechanisms and upload files with potentially dangerous extensions. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of the plugin up to and including version 0.1, creating a persistent security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this particular plugin. The flaw allows for the upload of web shells and other malicious files that can be executed on the target web server, fundamentally compromising the system's integrity and security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and file type checking mechanisms within the plugin's upload functionality. When users attempt to upload files through the plugin interface, the system fails to properly verify the file extensions, MIME types, or file content against a comprehensive whitelist of allowed file types. This absence of proper sanitization creates an exploitable condition where attackers can upload files with extensions such as .php, .jsp, .asp, or other server-side script formats that can execute code on the web server. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434, which describes the weakness of unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type, and represents a classic example of insecure file upload handling that has been consistently documented across various security frameworks and standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a direct path to establish persistent access to the compromised web server. Once a web shell is successfully uploaded, threat actors can execute arbitrary commands, escalate privileges, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability enables a range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and the establishment of backdoors that can remain undetected for extended periods. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the use of exploit for lateral movement, and T1059, which involves execution through command and scripting interpreter, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on WordPress for their web presence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-50495 should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin version updates if available, or complete removal of the vulnerable plugin from affected WordPress installations. Organizations must implement comprehensive file upload validation mechanisms that enforce strict whitelisting of allowed file types and ensure that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file upload attempts, conducting regular security audits of installed plugins, and maintaining up-to-date vulnerability scanning procedures. The remediation process should also involve monitoring for any signs of compromise, such as unexpected file modifications or unusual network traffic patterns, and establishing incident response procedures that account for potential code execution vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates of all WordPress components and plugins to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.