CVE-2024-6000 in FooEvents for WooCommerce Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2024
The FooEvents for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized arbitrary file uploads due to an improper capability setting on the 'display_ticket_themes_page' function in versions up to, and including, 1.19.20. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with contributor-level capabilities or above, to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible. This was partially patched in 1.19.20, and fully patched in 1.19.21.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
The FooEvents for WooCommerce plugin presents a critical security vulnerability that enables authenticated attackers to perform arbitrary file uploads on WordPress installations. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's 'display_ticket_themes_page' function and affects versions up to and including 1.19.20. The flaw stems from improper capability validation that allows users with contributor-level permissions or higher to bypass normal file upload restrictions. The vulnerability represents a significant bypass of WordPress's core security model where user capabilities should strictly control access to administrative functions. Attackers exploiting this weakness can upload malicious files to the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise through remote code execution. The issue demonstrates a classic privilege escalation problem where insufficient access controls enable unauthorized users to perform actions beyond their intended permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the plugin's capability checking mechanism that fails to properly validate user permissions before allowing file upload operations. Contributors and users with higher roles possess the ability to access the ticket themes page functionality, but the plugin does not adequately verify whether these users should be permitted to upload arbitrary files. This misconfiguration creates a path where attackers can leverage their contributor-level access to execute file upload operations that should be restricted to administrators or specific privileged roles. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to upload files with extensions that could execute server-side code, such as php files, which would then be processed by the web server. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how improper access control can create severe security implications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file upload capabilities and creates a potential pathway for complete system compromise. When attackers successfully upload malicious files, they can execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, service disruption, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations that use the FooEvents plugin, making it particularly concerning for e-commerce sites that rely on WooCommerce and event management functionality. The fact that this vulnerability was partially patched in version 1.19.20 but fully resolved in 1.19.21 indicates that the initial fix was incomplete, leaving systems vulnerable during the interim period. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk as the vulnerability allows attackers to establish persistent access to their systems through uploaded malicious payloads.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to version 1.19.21 or later of the FooEvents plugin. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type) which are commonly exploited in web application attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers can exploit the upload functionality to execute malicious code. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as file type validation, content inspection, and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper capability validation in WordPress plugins and highlights how even minor access control oversights can create severe security implications. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and timely application of security updates remain critical defensive measures against such exploits.
The vulnerability classification places this issue within the realm of authenticated privilege escalation attacks where attackers leverage existing user accounts to gain elevated system access. The fact that it affects contributor-level users indicates that the security model within the plugin fails to properly distinguish between different types of administrative functions. This misalignment between user capabilities and function permissions creates an exploitation vector that could be amplified through social engineering or credential compromise. The patching process reveals that the initial fix was incomplete, suggesting that security teams should verify that all security updates are properly implemented and tested. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper code review and security testing during plugin development to prevent such access control flaws from reaching production environments.