CVE-2024-56064 in WP SuperBackup Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2024
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in Azzaroco WP SuperBackup allows Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server.This issue affects WP SuperBackup: from n/a through 2.3.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-56064 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in the WP SuperBackup plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file types during the upload process, allowing malicious actors to bypass security measures and upload files with potentially dangerous extensions. The affected version range spans from the initial release through version 2.3.3, indicating this weakness has persisted across multiple iterations of the plugin. The specific risk lies in the ability to upload web shells, which are malicious scripts designed to provide remote access and control over the compromised web server. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category, which specifically addresses unrestricted upload of files with dangerous type, making it a well-documented and serious security concern in web application development.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper file type validation mechanisms within the WP SuperBackup plugin. When users attempt to upload backup files or related components, the system fails to adequately verify the file extensions, MIME types, or content signatures of uploaded files. This absence of input sanitization creates an attack surface where threat actors can upload malicious files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other server-side script formats that can execute code on the web server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for the execution of arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the web server and underlying infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems within the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, creating a comprehensive threat vector that can lead to full system compromise. Once a web shell is successfully uploaded and executed, attackers gain the ability to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to data theft, privilege escalation, and maintaining persistent access to the compromised environment. The vulnerability can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including direct exploitation of the plugin interface or through more sophisticated social engineering campaigns that trick administrators into uploading malicious files. This weakness significantly increases the risk of data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where WordPress systems host sensitive information or serve critical business functions. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the plugin's security architecture that requires immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-56064 should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the unrestricted file upload vulnerability, though administrators must verify that the updated versions properly resolve the underlying security issues. System administrators should implement additional layers of security including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file upload attempts, proper file type validation at both client and server levels, and strict file permission controls on upload directories. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web server processes run with minimal required permissions and that uploaded files are stored in directories with restricted access. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous file upload activities and potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities within their WordPress installations. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat landscape.