CVE-2024-56217 in Download Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in W3 Eden, Inc. Download Manager allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Download Manager: from n/a through 3.3.03.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2025
The CVE-2024-56217 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the W3 Eden, Inc. Download Manager plugin, which operates as a core component in content management systems and web applications. This vulnerability stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels that fail to properly validate user permissions before granting access to sensitive download resources. The flaw exists across all versions of the Download Manager plugin from the initial release through version 3.3.03, indicating a persistent security weakness that has remained unaddressed for an extended period. The vulnerability specifically targets the authorization mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized users from accessing protected files, documents, or resources that are intended only for authenticated administrators or specific user roles. Attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized access to download content that should remain restricted. The issue directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of digital assets managed through the plugin, as it allows malicious actors to obtain access to files that are typically protected by proper authentication and authorization protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through improper validation of user permissions within the plugin's access control framework. When users attempt to access download resources, the system fails to adequately verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to access the specific content. This misconfiguration allows attackers to manipulate access requests or exploit predictable URL patterns to gain unauthorized access to protected files. The flaw operates at the application level where the plugin should enforce role-based access control but instead permits access regardless of user authentication status or authorization level. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization in software systems. The missing authorization control creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks where unauthenticated users can assume administrative or elevated privileges, while authenticated users may access resources beyond their intended permissions. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege, where users receive more access rights than necessary for their role within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-56217 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to encompass potential data breaches, intellectual property theft, and system compromise. Organizations utilizing the affected Download Manager plugin face significant risks as attackers can access sensitive business documents, proprietary software, user data, or other confidential materials that should remain protected. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct URL manipulation, API endpoint exploitation, or through social engineering techniques that leverage the misconfigured access controls. This flaw particularly affects content management systems where download managers are used to distribute protected resources such as software updates, training materials, membership documents, or proprietary content. The attack surface expands when considering that the vulnerability affects all versions up to 3.3.03, meaning that organizations with older installations face the highest risk of exploitation. From an operational standpoint, the vulnerability can result in compliance violations, regulatory penalties, and damage to organizational reputation when unauthorized access to protected content occurs. The impact is compounded by the fact that such vulnerabilities often remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to maintain persistent access to sensitive resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-56217 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements within the affected systems. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the latest version of the W3 Eden, Inc. Download Manager plugin where the authorization flaw has been patched and properly configured access controls have been implemented. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all plugin installations to identify systems running vulnerable versions and ensure proper access control configurations are in place. The implementation of proper role-based access control measures should be enforced through the application layer, ensuring that all access requests are validated against appropriate user permissions before granting access to protected resources. Organizations should also implement network-level monitoring to detect suspicious access patterns or unauthorized attempts to access download resources. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials, as attackers may exploit the misconfigured access controls to obtain unauthorized access. Additional protective measures include implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access, regular security scanning of web applications, and ensuring that access control policies are properly enforced through both application and network-level security controls. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate authorization flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.