CVE-2024-50496 in AR Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2024
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in webandprint AR For WordPress ar-for-wordpress allows Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server.This issue affects AR For WordPress: from n/a through <= 6.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2024-50496 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in the webandprint AR For WordPress plugin, specifically impacting versions through 6.6. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's file upload functionality, allowing authenticated users to bypass security restrictions and upload malicious files to the web server. The flaw enables attackers to upload web shells or other dangerous file types that can subsequently be executed on the target system, providing them with unauthorized access and control over the affected WordPress installation. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-434 which specifically addresses unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type, a well-documented weakness that has been exploited in numerous high-profile attacks against web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the plugin's file handling mechanisms where user-supplied filenames and file types are not properly validated against a whitelist of acceptable extensions or content types. Attackers can exploit this by uploading files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other server-side script extensions that will be executed by the web server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects authenticated users, meaning that an attacker who can obtain valid credentials or gain access through other means can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access to the web server. The plugin's lack of proper file type checking and content verification creates an attack surface that directly violates security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CWE database.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-50496 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to achieve complete system compromise through the execution of uploaded web shells. Once a web shell is successfully uploaded and executed, attackers can perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, and establishing backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability can be exploited through the WordPress admin interface, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to remain undetected while maintaining persistent access to the compromised system. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1105 which covers the use of command and scripting interpreter for execution, and T1078 which addresses valid accounts for persistence. The impact extends beyond the immediate WordPress installation as the compromised server can serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-50496 should include immediate patching of the affected plugin to the latest version where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement strict file upload restrictions by implementing a comprehensive whitelist of allowed file extensions and MIME types, combined with thorough content validation to prevent execution of malicious code. Additional protective measures include restricting file upload capabilities to only necessary administrative users, implementing proper file permissions that prevent execution of uploaded files, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file upload attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other plugins and themes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to file upload functionalities within web applications.