CVE-2024-9193

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy for CVE-2024-9193 - WHMpress Local File Inclusion

This document outlines the vulnerability, severity, known exploit, and mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9193, a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the WHMpress - WHMCS WordPress Integration Plugin.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • CVE ID: CVE-2024-9193
  • Affected Software: WHMpress - WHMCS WordPress Integration Plugin (versions up to and including 6.3-revision-0)
  • Vulnerability Type: Local File Inclusion (LFI)
  • Description: The whmpress_domain_search_ajax_extended_results() function within the plugin is vulnerable to LFI. This allows unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server. The attacker can specify a path to a file on the server that will be included and executed as PHP code.
  • Root Cause: Improper input validation and sanitization within the whmpress_domain_search_ajax_extended_results() function allows an attacker to manipulate the file path used for inclusion.

2. Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
  • Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
  • Impact: High Confidentiality, High Integrity, High Availability. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to:
    • Read sensitive files on the server (source code, configuration files, database credentials, etc.).
    • Execute arbitrary PHP code on the server.
    • Potentially gain full control of the WordPress site.
    • Update arbitrary options on the WordPress site. Specifically, the /admin/services.php file can be leveraged to update the default role for registration to administrator and enable user registration, giving attackers administrative access to the site.

3. Known Exploit & Attack Vector:

  • Exploitability: The vulnerability is readily exploitable due to its unauthenticated nature and the simplicity of manipulating HTTP requests to include arbitrary files.
  • Attack Vector: The attack involves sending a specially crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable endpoint of the plugin. This request includes a parameter that specifies the file to be included.
  • Example Attack: A simple attack can be demonstrated by providing a path to the /wp-config.php file in the crafted request, potentially leaking database credentials. More advanced attacks could involve uploading a malicious PHP file (e.g., an image containing embedded PHP code) and then using the LFI vulnerability to execute it.

4. Remediation Strategy:

The primary remediation step is to upgrade to a patched version of the WHMpress - WHMCS WordPress Integration Plugin that addresses this vulnerability. If an updated version is not yet available, implement the following mitigation measures immediately.

  • Upgrade Plugin: Check for and install the latest version of the WHMpress plugin through the WordPress dashboard. The vulnerability has been reported and a patched version should be made available by the plugin developers.
  • Disable the Plugin (Temporary): If an immediate upgrade is not possible and no patch is available, temporarily disable the WHMpress plugin. This will prevent the vulnerability from being exploited, though it will also remove the plugin’s functionality.

5. Mitigation Strategy (If Upgrade/Patching Not Immediately Possible):

These mitigation strategies are less effective than patching and should only be used as temporary measures until a proper patch is available.

  • Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rule: Implement a WAF rule to block requests that attempt to exploit the LFI vulnerability. This rule should inspect incoming requests for suspicious file paths and patterns commonly associated with LFI attacks (e.g., ../, /etc/passwd, etc.). Specific examples of rules may include blocking HTTP requests containing whmpress_domain_search_ajax_extended_results and path traversal characters like ../.
  • Restrict File Permissions: Review and tighten file permissions on the WordPress server to minimize the impact of a successful LFI exploit. Ensure that web server users have only the necessary permissions to access files. Particular attention should be given to ensuring that user uploads are stored in a directory that cannot be executed as PHP.
  • Monitor System Logs: Enable thorough system logging and actively monitor the logs for suspicious activity. Look for unusual file access attempts, errors, or other indicators of compromise. Specifically, monitor logs related to the WHMpress plugin.

6. Verification:

After implementing the remediation or mitigation strategies, it’s crucial to verify their effectiveness.

  • Vulnerability Scan: Run a vulnerability scan using a reputable WordPress security scanner (e.g., Wordfence, Sucuri, etc.) to confirm that the vulnerability is no longer detectable.
  • Manual Testing: Manually attempt to exploit the LFI vulnerability using the known attack vectors. Verify that the WAF rule or other mitigation measures are effectively blocking the attack.

7. Long-Term Security Practices:

  • Keep Plugins and Themes Updated: Regularly update all WordPress plugins and themes to the latest versions to ensure that they are protected against known vulnerabilities.
  • Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF): Implement a WAF to provide ongoing protection against a wide range of web application attacks.
  • Implement Strong Access Controls: Enforce strong passwords and use two-factor authentication for all WordPress users. Limit user privileges to the minimum necessary for their roles.
  • Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits of the WordPress site to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
  • Security Awareness Training: Provide security awareness training to all WordPress users to help them recognize and avoid phishing attacks and other security threats.
  • Monitor Plugin Changes: Monitor plugin update logs and changes for suspicious activities.
  • Secure Configuration of Web Server: Properly configure the webserver (e.g., Apache, Nginx) to prevent directory listing, restrict access to sensitive files, and disable unnecessary features.

Disclaimer: This remediation and mitigation strategy is based on the information available at the time of writing. It is essential to consult with security professionals and the plugin developer for the most up-to-date and appropriate recommendations.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-02-28 08:23:16
  • Updated Date: 2025-02-28 09:15:11

More Details

CVE-2024-9193