CVE-2024-8392 in Post Grid Layouts with Pagination Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2024
The WordPress Post Grid Layouts with Pagination – Sogrid plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.2 via the 'tab' parameter. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, 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. This can also be exploited via CSRF techniques.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8392 affects the WordPress Post Grid Layouts with Pagination – Sogrid plugin, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.5.2. This represents a critical security flaw that exploits a local file inclusion vulnerability through the 'tab' parameter, creating a significant risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access with administrator-level privileges, making it accessible to users who already have elevated permissions within the WordPress environment. The attack vector leverages the plugin's handling of user input through the tab parameter, which should have been properly sanitized and validated before being used in file inclusion operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the plugin's codebase. When an authenticated administrator accesses certain administrative interfaces within the plugin, the 'tab' parameter is directly used in file inclusion operations without adequate security checks. This creates a pathway where malicious input can be interpreted as a file path, allowing attackers to traverse the file system and include arbitrary files from the server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. Additionally, the flaw can be exploited through cross-site request forgery techniques, amplifying its potential impact as attackers can potentially leverage CSRF tokens to execute malicious requests without direct user interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it enables attackers to bypass existing access controls and potentially access sensitive system information. Administrators who have already compromised the WordPress environment can use this vulnerability to escalate their privileges further, access other system files, or extract database credentials and configuration details. The ability to execute PHP code within the context of the web server creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent backdoors, deploy additional malware, or perform data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited even when images and other seemingly safe file types can be uploaded to the server, as these files can be included through the LFI mechanism. This characteristic makes the attack surface broader and more insidious, as attackers don't need to rely on specific file upload restrictions to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-8392 should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the vulnerability, which according to the description would be beyond version 1.5.2. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and file inclusion activities within their WordPress installations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that only necessary administrators have access to plugin management interfaces. Security measures should include input validation at multiple levels, proper parameter sanitization, and the implementation of secure coding practices that prevent direct file inclusion operations based on user input. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file inclusion patterns, and conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for execution through PHP, and T1566 for initial access through web application attacks, making it critical for security teams to address both the immediate vulnerability and the broader attack patterns it enables.