CVE-2024-5852 in File Upload Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/16/2024
The WordPress File Upload plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 4.24.7 via the 'uploadpath' parameter of the wordpress_file_upload shortcode. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to upload limited files to arbitrary locations on the web server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2024
The WordPress File Upload plugin presents a critical directory traversal vulnerability that affects all versions through 4.24.7, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations. This vulnerability resides within the 'uploadpath' parameter of the wordpress_file_upload shortcode implementation, where inadequate input validation allows attackers to manipulate file upload destinations. The flaw specifically targets authenticated users who possess Contributor-level privileges or higher, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited by users who should normally have restricted capabilities within the WordPress ecosystem.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of the uploadpath parameter, which permits attackers to inject directory traversal sequences such as '../' into the file path specification. When processed through the shortcode functionality, these malicious inputs bypass normal file system access controls and validation mechanisms, enabling unauthorized file placement in arbitrary server directories. This represents a classic directory traversal attack pattern that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with the ability to place malicious files anywhere within the web server's file system where the WordPress installation has write permissions. Contributors and higher-level users typically have limited capabilities, but this vulnerability elevates their privileges by allowing them to potentially upload web shells, backdoors, or other malicious payloads to critical system locations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate plugin functionality while exploiting a weakness in parameter handling that should have been addressed through proper access control and input validation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code through uploaded malicious files. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that the attack requires only Contributor-level access, which many WordPress sites grant to users who should not have elevated system privileges. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting file upload capabilities, implementing strict file type validation, and monitoring for unusual file upload patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the WordPress File Upload plugin to version 4.24.8 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and path validation. Administrators should also implement role-based access controls that limit Contributor-level users from accessing plugin configuration options, particularly those related to file handling. Additional defensive measures include setting up web application firewalls to monitor for directory traversal patterns in URL parameters, implementing strict file extension filtering, and conducting regular security audits of plugin configurations to ensure proper privilege separation and input validation mechanisms are in place across all WordPress installations.