CVE-2024-7985 in FileOrganizer Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/29/2024
The FileOrganizer – Manage WordPress and Website Files plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the "fileorganizer_ajax_handler" function in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.9. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, and permissions granted by an administrator, to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible. NOTE: The FileOrganizer Pro plugin must be installed and active to allow Subscriber+ users to upload files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7985 affects the FileOrganizer – Manage WordPress and Website Files plugin, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.0.9. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the plugin's core functionality. The vulnerability exists within the "fileorganizer_ajax_handler" function, which fails to properly validate file types during the upload process, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security restrictions.
The technical flaw manifests as a missing file type validation mechanism that allows authenticated users with subscriber-level privileges or higher to upload files without proper sanitization checks. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the existing trust relationship between users and the WordPress platform, where legitimate users with appropriate permissions can exploit the weakness to gain unauthorized access to the server's file system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the requirement that the FileOrganizer Pro plugin must be installed and active, which means that even if the base plugin is not vulnerable, the presence of the pro version creates an attack surface that can be exploited by attackers with minimal privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for WordPress installations that utilize the affected plugin, as it allows for potential remote code execution capabilities. Attackers who gain access through this vulnerability can upload malicious files such as web shells, backdoors, or other malicious executables that can persist on the server and provide ongoing access to the compromised system. The impact extends beyond simple file uploads, as these uploaded files can be executed by the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent command and control channels.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that enables attackers to bypass intended security controls. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts, T1566 for spearphishing with a malicious file, and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. The low privilege requirement for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors, as it requires minimal access rights to exploit and can be leveraged to escalate privileges and gain persistent access to affected systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the plugin where the vulnerability has been patched, implementing additional file type validation measures, and restricting file upload capabilities where possible. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload activities, and administrators should review user permissions to ensure that only necessary users have access to file upload functionality. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing and validation of plugin components, particularly those that handle file operations, as this type of flaw can have severe consequences for system security and data integrity.