CVE-2024-56248 in WPMasterToolKit Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/02/2025
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in Webdeclic WPMasterToolKit allows Path Traversal.This issue affects WPMasterToolKit: from n/a through 1.13.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The CVE-2024-56248 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw within the Webdeclic WPMasterToolKit plugin, which operates as a WordPress management tool designed to streamline website administration tasks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path access, allowing malicious actors to manipulate directory traversal sequences and access unauthorized files. The affected version range spans from the initial release through version 1.13.1, indicating a prolonged exposure window where users remained vulnerable to exploitation attempts. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the plugin processes user-supplied input without proper validation, creating opportunities for attackers to bypass intended security boundaries and navigate to restricted file system locations.
The technical implementation of this path traversal vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the plugin's file handling mechanisms by injecting malicious path sequences such as ../ or ..\ into file access requests. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of pathname to a restricted directory. The vulnerability operates by allowing arbitrary file access through the plugin's interface, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other confidential data stored within the web server's file system. When exploited, the vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, as attackers may gain access to critical system files, user data, or even execute arbitrary code if the plugin's file handling processes lack proper access controls.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations utilizing the WPMasterToolKit plugin, as it can result in unauthorized data access, potential system compromise, and exposure of sensitive information. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with basic knowledge of path traversal techniques. Organizations using affected versions may experience data breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage if attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability to access restricted files or execute malicious code. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with persistent access to compromised systems and potentially enable further lateral movement within network environments.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-56248 should prioritize immediate patching of affected WPMasterToolKit versions to the latest available release, as this represents the most direct and effective solution to address the vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures to prevent malicious path sequences from being processed by the plugin, including the enforcement of strict file path validation and the removal of unnecessary file access capabilities. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect suspicious file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts, while access controls should be strengthened to limit the plugin's file system privileges. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential path traversal vulnerabilities within their WordPress installations and implement defense-in-depth strategies that include web application firewalls, regular security audits, and proper file system permissions management to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive resources.