EUVD-2024-49809

Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2024-49809

1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation

The vulnerability in the GutenKit – Page Builder Blocks, Patterns, and Templates for Gutenberg Block Editor plugin for WordPress (EUVD-2024-49809) is classified as an arbitrary file upload vulnerability. This issue arises due to a missing capability check on the install_and_activate_plugin_from_external() function, specifically within the install-active-plugin REST API endpoint. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to install and activate arbitrary plugins or upload arbitrary files disguised as plugins.

Severity Evaluation:

• CVSS Base Score: 9.8
• CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

The high CVSS score indicates a critical vulnerability due to the following factors:

• Attack Vector (AV): Network (N)
• Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L)
• Privileges Required (PR): None (N)
• User Interaction (UI): None (N)
• Scope (S): Unchanged (U)
• Confidentiality (C): High (H)
• Integrity (I): High (H)
• Availability (A): High (H)

2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods

Attack Vectors:

• Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Upload: Attackers can exploit the vulnerability to upload malicious files, including backdoors, webshells, or other malware, disguised as plugins.
• Plugin Installation and Activation: Attackers can install and activate arbitrary plugins, potentially leading to further exploitation or unauthorized access.

Exploitation Methods:

• Direct Exploitation: Attackers can send crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable REST API endpoint to upload and execute malicious files.
• Automated Scripts: Attackers can use automated scripts to scan for vulnerable installations and exploit them en masse.

3. Affected Systems and Software Versions

Affected Software:

• GutenKit – Page Builder Blocks, Patterns, and Templates for Gutenberg Block Editor plugin for WordPress

Affected Versions:

• All versions up to and including 2.1.0

Fixed Versions:

• Version 2.1.1 and later

4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies

Immediate Actions:

• Update the Plugin: Immediately update the GutenKit plugin to version 2.1.1 or later.
• Disable the Plugin: If updating is not possible, disable the plugin until a secure version can be installed.

Long-Term Mitigation:

• Regular Updates: Ensure all WordPress plugins and themes are regularly updated to the latest versions.
• Access Controls: Implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms for REST API endpoints.
• Monitoring: Use security plugins and monitoring tools to detect and respond to suspicious activities.

5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape

The vulnerability poses a significant risk to the European cybersecurity landscape, particularly for organizations and individuals using WordPress with the GutenKit plugin. The potential for unauthenticated arbitrary file uploads can lead to widespread compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access. Given the high EPSS score of 88, this vulnerability is likely to be actively exploited in the wild, increasing the risk for European entities.

6. Technical Details for Security Professionals

Vulnerable Function:

• install_and_activate_plugin_from_external()

Vulnerable Endpoint:

• install-active-plugin REST API endpoint

Code Reference:

• The vulnerability is located in the ActivePluginData.php file, specifically around line 76.

References:

• Wordfence Threat Intelligence
• GitHub Repository
• WordPress Plugin Repository

Aliases:

• CVE-2024-9234

Assigner:

• Wordfence

ENISA IDs:

• Product: [{"id":"feb4a6d8-b864-324c-a308-50dab7fca044","product":{"name":"GutenKit – Page Builder Blocks, Patterns, and Templates for Gutenberg Block Editor"},"product_version":"* ≤2.1.0"}]
• Vendor: [{"id":"3d7d36db-1373-3b23-ae2c-3548ada42182","vendor":{"name":"ataurr"}}]

By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust security measures, organizations can mitigate the risk of exploitation and protect their digital assets.