CVE-2024-7777 in Contact Form Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2024
The Contact Form by Bit Form: Multi Step Form, Calculation Contact Form, Payment Contact Form & Custom Contact Form builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file read and deletion due to insufficient file path validation in multiple functions in versions 2.0 to 2.13.9. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, to read and delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7777 affects the Contact Form by Bit Form plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions ranging from 2.0 through 2.13.9. This plugin serves as a comprehensive contact form builder solution that includes multi-step forms, calculation capabilities, payment processing, and custom form creation features. The flaw resides in inadequate input validation mechanisms within multiple functions that handle file path operations, creating a critical security gap that can be exploited by attackers with administrative privileges. The vulnerability manifests through insufficient sanitization of file paths, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file system operations through crafted inputs that bypass normal validation checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of file paths within the plugin's core functions that process file operations. Attackers with administrator-level access can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that manipulate file path parameters, enabling them to traverse the file system and access arbitrary files on the server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw allows for both read and delete operations on the file system, providing attackers with complete control over file system access within the WordPress installation's scope.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected WordPress installations. An authenticated attacker with administrator privileges can leverage this weakness to read sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials, security keys, and other critical system information. The ability to delete files creates additional attack vectors, particularly when combined with the potential to remove critical system files or replace them with malicious equivalents. When combined with other exploitation techniques, this vulnerability can lead to full system compromise and remote code execution, making it a critical threat to WordPress site security. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires only administrative access, which is often obtained through other means such as credential theft or social engineering attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7777 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the file path validation issues, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Administrators should implement strict access controls and regularly audit user permissions to minimize the risk of unauthorized administrative access. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that only necessary personnel maintain administrator-level credentials. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file system access patterns and unauthorized file deletions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and file integrity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting, highlighting the importance of comprehensive security measures beyond just patch management. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire WordPress ecosystem.