CVE-2024-54259 in SEO Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2024
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in DELUCKS GmbH DELUCKS SEO allows Path Traversal.This issue affects DELUCKS SEO: from n/a through 2.5.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2024
The CVE-2024-54259 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw within the DELUCKS SEO plugin developed by DELUCKS GmbH, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified initial release through version 2.5.5. This vulnerability falls under the well-known CWE-22 category, which classifies improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory as a fundamental security weakness that allows attackers to access files and directories outside the intended scope. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input that is used in file path operations, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the application's file access mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this path traversal vulnerability occurs through the plugin's handling of file operations within the WordPress environment, where user-controllable parameters are directly incorporated into file system paths without adequate sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as "../" or "..\", allowing them to navigate outside the plugin's intended directory structure and potentially access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables unauthorized access to potentially sensitive data and could lead to further exploitation opportunities within the affected WordPress installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or conduct data exfiltration from compromised systems. When exploited successfully, the path traversal vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve files that should be restricted to authorized users only. This can result in the exposure of sensitive information including but not limited to database connection strings, API keys, user credentials, and application configuration files that could be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress ecosystem where the DELUCKS SEO plugin is installed, potentially compromising multiple sites if the plugin is widely deployed across different environments.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to the latest version of the DELUCKS SEO plugin where the issue has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing strict path validation that prevents the use of directory traversal sequences in file operations and enforcing proper access controls within the WordPress file system. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts, while conducting thorough security assessments of all installed plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting, demonstrating how path traversal can serve as a foundational attack vector for more sophisticated exploitation campaigns. Regular security monitoring and patch management processes should be enhanced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into web applications through inadequate input validation practices.