CVE-2024-8425

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy: CVE-2024-8425 - WooCommerce Ultimate Gift Card Plugin Arbitrary File Upload

Vulnerability Description:

  • CVE ID: CVE-2024-8425
  • Plugin: WooCommerce Ultimate Gift Card
  • Affected Versions: All versions up to and including 2.6.0
  • Description: The WooCommerce Ultimate Gift Card plugin contains an arbitrary file upload vulnerability. Due to insufficient file type validation in the mwb_wgm_preview_mail and mwb_wgm_woocommerce_add_cart_item_data functions, unauthenticated attackers can upload arbitrary files to the affected server.

Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
  • Severity Level: Critical
  • Rationale: Arbitrary file upload vulnerabilities are considered critical because they can lead to Remote Code Execution (RCE). An attacker could upload a malicious script (e.g., a PHP file) and then execute it on the server, potentially gaining complete control over the website and underlying system. The unauthenticated nature of this vulnerability further increases the risk.

Known Exploit:

  • The description indicates that the vulnerability is exploitable by unauthenticated attackers. This means no user credentials are required to leverage the vulnerability.
  • The specific method of exploitation would involve crafting a request to the mwb_wgm_preview_mail or mwb_wgm_woocommerce_add_cart_item_data functions with a disguised malicious file. The attacker would likely change the file extension, employ bypass techniques or inject malicious code into allowed file types.
  • While details of specific exploits are not provided in the report, it can be assumed that attackers will attempt to upload PHP scripts or other executable files to gain remote access to the server.

Remediation Steps:

  1. Immediate Update: The highest priority is to immediately update the WooCommerce Ultimate Gift Card plugin to the latest available version. Check the WordPress plugin repository or the plugin developer’s website for an updated version that addresses this vulnerability. This is the most effective and recommended solution.
  2. Disable the Plugin (If Update Not Immediately Available): If an update is not immediately available, temporarily disable the WooCommerce Ultimate Gift Card plugin. This will prevent attackers from exploiting the vulnerability until a patched version is released. To disable the plugin:
    • Log into your WordPress admin dashboard.
    • Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
    • Find the WooCommerce Ultimate Gift Card plugin and click “Deactivate.”

Mitigation Steps (In addition to remediation):

These steps provide additional layers of security even after patching/updating the plugin:

  1. Web Application Firewall (WAF): Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) that can detect and block malicious file uploads. Configure the WAF to inspect file content and block uploads with suspicious patterns or extensions.
  2. File Upload Restrictions: Even if the plugin is updated, ensure that WordPress’s file upload directory has appropriate security restrictions:
    • .htaccess Restriction (Apache Servers): Place a .htaccess file in the wp-content/uploads directory with the following content: <Files *> deny from all <FilesMatch “.(jpg|jpeg|png|gif|pdf|doc|docx|xls|xlsx|ppt|pptx)$"> allow from all This will prevent execution of any files in the uploads directory except for allowed image and document types. Adjust the allowed file types to suit your needs.
    • Other Web Servers: Consult your web server’s documentation for instructions on how to restrict file execution in specific directories.
  3. Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits of your WordPress installation and all installed plugins. This will help identify potential vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.
  4. Principle of Least Privilege: Ensure that all user accounts have only the necessary permissions. Avoid granting administrator privileges to users who do not require them.
  5. Monitor System Logs: Regularly monitor your web server’s system logs for suspicious activity, such as unusual file uploads or access attempts.
  6. File Integrity Monitoring: Implement a file integrity monitoring system that alerts you to any unauthorized changes to your website’s files.
  7. Stay Informed: Subscribe to security mailing lists and advisories related to WordPress and your installed plugins to stay informed about new vulnerabilities and security updates.

Verification:

  • After applying the update, verify that the plugin version is the latest available.
  • Test the file upload functionality to ensure that malicious files are blocked. Try uploading a file with a .php extension to confirm that it is rejected.
  • Review the file upload directory to ensure that no unauthorized files exist.

Reporting:

  • If you discover any potential exploits or vulnerabilities, report them to the plugin developer and the WordPress security team.

By taking these steps, you can effectively remediate and mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2024-8425. Remember that vigilance and proactive security measures are crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress website.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-02-28 08:23:17
  • Updated Date: 2025-02-28 09:15:11

More Details

CVE-2024-8425