CVE-2024-5080 in wp-eMember Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2024
The wp-eMember WordPress plugin before 10.6.6 does not validate files to be uploaded, which could allow admins to upload arbitrary files such as PHP on the server
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2024
The wp-eMember WordPress plugin vulnerability CVE-2024-5080 represents a critical security flaw in versions prior to 10.6.6 that stems from inadequate input validation during file upload operations. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's file handling mechanisms, which fail to properly validate or sanitize files submitted through the administrative interface. The absence of proper validation allows authenticated administrators to upload arbitrary files to the server, including potentially malicious PHP scripts that could execute with the privileges of the web server. This issue falls under the category of insecure file upload vulnerabilities as defined by CWE-434, which specifically addresses the risk of uploading files that can be executed by the web server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the administrative privileges of a legitimate user, making it difficult to detect and exploit without proper monitoring.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an administrator performs file upload operations within the wp-eMember plugin interface. Without proper validation checks, the plugin accepts files regardless of their type, content, or potential malicious intent. Attackers can leverage this weakness by uploading PHP shell scripts or other malicious code that can be executed on the web server. The impact extends beyond simple file uploads as the malicious code can potentially be used to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of exploitation for lateral movement through web shell deployment and T1059 which covers the execution of malicious code through scripting languages. The flaw essentially provides a backdoor mechanism that bypasses normal security controls by utilizing legitimate administrative functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-5080 is severe and multifaceted across multiple security domains. Organizations running affected versions of wp-eMember face immediate risks including unauthorized access to server resources, potential data breaches, and complete compromise of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have gained administrative credentials through social engineering, credential theft, or other means, making the impact more pronounced than if it required additional exploitation steps. Once a malicious file is uploaded and executed, attackers can use the compromised system as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also creates challenges for security monitoring and incident response teams, as the malicious uploads may appear legitimate within the administrative interface, complicating detection efforts. Additionally, the compromised system may be used for hosting additional malicious activities such as botnet participation, phishing operations, or as a staging area for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5080 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper patch management and implementation of additional security controls. The primary and most effective mitigation is upgrading to wp-eMember version 10.6.6 or later, which includes proper file validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as restricting file upload capabilities to only necessary file types, implementing strict file type checking, and validating file content rather than relying solely on file extensions. Network-based detection measures should be enhanced to monitor for suspicious file upload activities and unusual PHP execution patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block malicious file upload attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that administrative accounts have minimal necessary permissions and that file upload capabilities are restricted to only those users who absolutely require them. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes, and automated monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.