CVE-2024-56216 in Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2024
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Themify Themify Builder allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Themify Builder: from n/a through 7.6.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-56216 represents a critical improper control of filename for include/require statement in PHP programs, commonly known as PHP Remote File Inclusion or Local File Inclusion. This flaw exists within the Themify Builder plugin, specifically affecting versions ranging from an unknown initial state through version 7.6.3. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of filename parameters that are used in PHP include or require statements, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating file inclusion parameters to load and execute malicious files from remote servers or local system directories, bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the include/require functionality within the Themify Builder plugin by supplying crafted input that gets directly incorporated into PHP file inclusion directives. This creates a dangerous condition where user-supplied data is not properly validated or sanitized before being used in dynamic file inclusion operations. When the plugin processes user input containing malicious file paths or URLs, it executes the include/require statement with the attacker-controlled parameters, potentially leading to remote code execution or local file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability specifically impacts the PHP runtime environment by allowing arbitrary file access through the plugin's file inclusion mechanisms, which violates fundamental security principles of input validation and privilege separation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-56216 is severe and far-reaching for affected WordPress installations. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This vulnerability enables attackers to access sensitive system files, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or deployment of backdoors. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects a widely used WordPress plugin, making numerous websites vulnerable to exploitation. Organizations running affected versions of Themify Builder face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system takeover, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication or advanced privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation and defensive measures. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to the latest version of Themify Builder where this vulnerability has been patched, as this directly addresses the root cause of the issue. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can help prevent exploitation attempts, though this requires careful code review and security hardening. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block suspicious file inclusion patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-88 categories related to improper input validation and command injection, and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins and themes, while maintaining up-to-date security monitoring and incident response procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts.