CVE-2024-6828 in Redux Framework Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2024
The Redux Framework plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthenticated JSON file uploads due to missing authorization and capability checks on the Redux_Color_Scheme_Import function in versions 4.4.12 to 4.4.17. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to upload JSON files, which can be used to conduct stored cross-site scripting attacks and, in some rare cases, when the wp_filesystem fails to initialize - to Remote Code Execution.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6828 affects the Redux Framework plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions between 4.4.12 and 4.4.17. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the plugin's authorization mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthenticated attackers to exploit the system. The vulnerability resides within the Redux_Color_Scheme_Import function, which fails to implement proper capability checks or authentication validation before processing file uploads. This oversight creates a significant attack surface where malicious actors can bypass normal access controls and upload arbitrary files to the WordPress installation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input validation and authorization checks within the Redux plugin's file handling mechanism. When the Redux_Color_Scheme_Import function processes incoming JSON files, it does not verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary permissions to perform such operations. This missing security control allows any internet-facing system to submit JSON files without authentication, effectively granting anonymous upload capabilities. The flaw aligns with CWE-863, which addresses "Incorrect Authorization" issues where the system fails to properly verify that the requesting entity has the appropriate privileges to perform the requested action.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, creating multiple attack vectors that can lead to severe consequences. The ability to upload JSON files enables attackers to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks against authenticated users who view the affected pages. This occurs because the uploaded JSON files can contain malicious JavaScript code that gets executed when the color scheme is rendered or processed by the WordPress interface. Additionally, under specific conditions where the wp_filesystem fails to initialize properly, attackers may potentially achieve remote code execution capabilities, transforming this vulnerability into a full system compromise scenario.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering and T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates entirely outside of normal user authentication flows, making detection more difficult for security monitoring systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors seeking low-hanging fruit in WordPress environments. Organizations running affected versions of the Redux Framework plugin face immediate risk of data compromise, system takeover, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate patching to versions beyond 4.4.17 where the authorization checks have been properly implemented. Administrators should also consider implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to the plugin's upload endpoints and deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file upload patterns. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins should include verification of authorization mechanisms and capability checks to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. Additionally, organizations should maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting known vulnerabilities in popular WordPress plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper access controls even in seemingly benign features like color scheme imports, as these functions often become attack vectors when proper authorization checks are absent.