CVE-2024-6499 in Button Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/24/2024
The WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to information exposure in all versions up to, and including, 9.7.8. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to obtain the full path to instances, which they may be able to use in combination with other vulnerabilities or to simplify reconnaissance work. On its own, this information is of very limited use.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6499 affects the MaxButtons plugin for WordPress, a widely used tool for creating customizable buttons and call-to-action elements on websites. This particular flaw represents a sensitive information disclosure issue that has been present in all versions up to and including 9.7.8, making it a persistent threat to WordPress site security. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of path information within the plugin's code structure, which inadvertently exposes critical system paths to unauthorized users. Such information exposure vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they provide attackers with foundational knowledge about the target system's architecture and file structure, even if the direct impact appears limited.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly sanitize or restrict access to internal path references during specific operational phases. When certain plugin functions are invoked or accessed without proper authentication requirements, the system reveals complete file paths that would normally be restricted to authorized administrative users. This exposure occurs through the plugin's response handling mechanism, where path information is returned in HTTP responses or error messages without adequate access controls. The vulnerability can be exploited by any user without requiring login credentials or administrative privileges, which significantly amplifies its potential impact within the threat landscape. From a cybersecurity perspective, this aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a classic example of information disclosure that can serve as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-6499 extends beyond its immediate apparent limitations, as the exposed path information provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can be leveraged in subsequent attack phases. While the vulnerability alone may not directly enable system compromise, it creates valuable intelligence for threat actors planning multi-stage attacks. The disclosed paths can reveal the underlying server structure, directory layouts, and potentially sensitive file locations that could be targeted in combination with other vulnerabilities. This reconnaissance capability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the reconnaissance phase, where attackers gather information about target systems to plan their operations more effectively. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a map of the target system's internal structure, which can be particularly useful when combined with other exploits or when targeting specific system components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the information disclosure flaw, as this represents the most direct and effective solution. System administrators should also implement network-level monitoring to detect unusual access patterns or attempts to probe the exposed paths, which can serve as early warning indicators of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms for plugin endpoints can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in web applications, particularly when dealing with system-level information that could be exposed through normal operational functions. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can block or alert on suspicious requests attempting to access the vulnerable plugin functionality, as this approach provides an additional layer of protection against exploitation attempts.