CVE-2024-9162 in All-in-One WP Migration and Backup Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2024
The All-in-One WP Migration and Backup plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary PHP Code Injection due to missing file type validation during the export in all versions up to, and including, 7.86. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, to create an export file with the .php extension on the affected site's server, adding an arbitrary PHP code to it, which may make remote code execution possible.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The CVE-2024-9162 vulnerability resides within the All-in-One WP Migration and Backup plugin for WordPress, a widely used tool for managing website backups and migrations. This security flaw represents a critical oversight in the plugin's file handling mechanisms that directly impacts the integrity of the WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the export process where the plugin fails to properly validate file types, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors with administrative privileges. The issue affects all versions up to and including 7.86, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who rely on this plugin for their backup operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input validation during file creation processes. When administrators initiate an export operation, the plugin does not adequately verify the file extensions of exported content, allowing attackers to manipulate the export filename to include the .php extension. This seemingly simple oversight creates a dangerous pathway for code injection attacks, as the malicious PHP code embedded within the exported file can be executed on the target server. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and insecure file handling practices, both of which are categorized under CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation" and CWE-73, which covers "External Control of File Name or Path." The attack vector requires authentication with administrator-level privileges, making it a privilege escalation vulnerability that can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-9162 extends far beyond simple code injection, as it can result in full system compromise when exploited by attackers with administrative access. Once the malicious PHP code is successfully injected into the exported file and executed, attackers can gain unauthorized access to the WordPress installation and potentially the entire server. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," as the injected code can execute arbitrary commands on the server. The implications are severe because WordPress administrators often have elevated privileges and may be unaware that their backup operations are being weaponized. The vulnerability can be exploited to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify website content, or even establish persistent access to the compromised environment. Organizations relying on this plugin for backup operations face significant risk, as any backup created during the vulnerable period could contain malicious code that executes when the backup is restored or accessed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9162 require immediate action from WordPress administrators to address the vulnerability. The most effective immediate solution is to update the All-in-One WP Migration and Backup plugin to the latest version where the file validation issue has been patched. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting file upload capabilities and implementing proper file type validation mechanisms. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual backup file creation patterns and unauthorized export operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in web applications and the necessity of following secure coding practices. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar validation flaws, and automated patch management systems should be deployed to ensure timely updates. The incident underscores the critical need for security by design principles in plugin development and the importance of adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.