CVE-2024-7950 in WP Job Portal Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2024
The WP Job Portal – A Complete Recruitment System for Company or Job Board website plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion, Arbitrary Settings Update, and User Creation in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.6 via several functions called by the 'checkFormRequest' function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included. Attackers can also update arbitrary settings and create user accounts even when registration is disabled, leading to user creation with a default role of Administrator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2024
The WP Job Portal plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-7950 that affects all versions up to and including 2.1.6. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the plugin's codebase, specifically within the 'checkFormRequest' function which serves as a central handler for various user interactions. The flaw creates multiple attack vectors that collectively enable unauthenticated remote code execution and privilege escalation. The vulnerability operates under CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks, and CWE-94 which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to insufficient input validation. These weaknesses combine to create a particularly dangerous exposure for WordPress installations using this plugin.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the plugin's handling of file operations and user management functions through a single entry point. When the 'checkFormRequest' function processes incoming requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that controls file inclusion paths and setting modifications. This lack of input sanitization enables attackers to manipulate parameters that control which files are included and executed on the server. The vulnerability permits local file inclusion attacks where malicious actors can reference and execute arbitrary PHP files stored on the server, potentially including previously uploaded files that bypass normal file type restrictions. This capability extends beyond simple file reading to full code execution, making the vulnerability particularly severe for systems where attackers can upload files through legitimate upload mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-7950 extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass access controls that would normally prevent unauthorized modifications to the WordPress system. The ability to update arbitrary settings means that malicious actors can modify critical system configurations including security settings, plugin options, and core WordPress parameters. More critically, the vulnerability enables user account creation even when registration is disabled, allowing attackers to establish persistent access with default administrator privileges. This combination of capabilities creates a complete compromise scenario where attackers can establish backdoors, modify content, steal sensitive data, and maintain long-term access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects the ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1546 which covers privilege escalation through modification of system processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7950 should prioritize immediate action to address the root cause through official plugin updates from the vendor. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions that limit access to plugin endpoints and monitor for suspicious file upload activities. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including server-side validation of all parameters passed to the 'checkFormRequest' function and enforcement of proper file type restrictions for uploaded content. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unauthorized user creation attempts and unexpected changes to system settings. The vulnerability's exposure through the WordPress plugin ecosystem highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices including regular plugin audits, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting security assessments of third-party components. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations and regular security scanning to detect similar vulnerabilities in other installed plugins. The ATT&CK framework suggests implementing detection capabilities for anomalous system modifications and user account creation activities as part of comprehensive security monitoring strategies.