Description
The VEDA - MultiPurpose WordPress Theme theme for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 4.2 via deserialization of untrusted input in the 'veda_backup_and_restore_action' function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. No known POP chain is present in the vulnerable software, which means this vulnerability has no impact unless another plugin or theme containing a POP chain is installed on the site. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it may allow the attacker to perform actions like delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code depending on the POP chain present.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2024-53983
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability in the VEDA - MultiPurpose WordPress Theme, identified as EUVD-2024-53983 (CVE-2024-13787), involves a PHP Object Injection flaw. This vulnerability arises from the deserialization of untrusted input in the veda_backup_and_restore_action function. The severity of this vulnerability is rated with a CVSS Base Score of 9.8, indicating a critical risk. The CVSS vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H highlights the following characteristics:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal skill or resources.
- Privileges Required (PR): None (N) - No special privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required for the attack to succeed.
- Scope (S): Unchanged (U) - The vulnerability does not affect resources beyond the security scope managed by the security authority.
- Confidentiality (C): High (H) - The vulnerability allows for significant breaches of confidentiality.
- Integrity (I): High (H) - The vulnerability allows for significant breaches of integrity.
- Availability (A): High (H) - The vulnerability allows for significant breaches of availability.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector involves authenticated users with Subscriber-level access or higher. The attacker can exploit the vulnerability by injecting a PHP Object through the veda_backup_and_restore_action function. Although the vulnerability itself does not contain a Property-Oriented Programming (POP) chain, the presence of a POP chain in another installed plugin or theme can significantly amplify the risk. Potential exploitation methods include:
- Deleting Arbitrary Files: If a POP chain allows file deletion, the attacker could remove critical system files.
- Retrieving Sensitive Data: The attacker could access sensitive information stored on the server.
- Executing Arbitrary Code: If a POP chain enables code execution, the attacker could run malicious code on the server.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of the VEDA - MultiPurpose WordPress Theme up to and including version 4.2. Users of this theme are at risk, especially if they have other plugins or themes installed that contain a POP chain.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, the following strategies are recommended:
- Update the Theme: Ensure that the VEDA - MultiPurpose WordPress Theme is updated to a version higher than 4.2, if available.
- Review Installed Plugins and Themes: Audit all installed plugins and themes for the presence of POP chains. Remove or update any that are found to be vulnerable.
- Implement Access Controls: Limit the number of users with Subscriber-level access and above. Ensure that only trusted users have elevated privileges.
- Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Implement monitoring tools to detect and respond to suspicious activities, such as unauthorized file deletions or code executions.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential security weaknesses.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to the European cybersecurity landscape, particularly for organizations and individuals using the VEDA - MultiPurpose WordPress Theme. Given the widespread use of WordPress and the potential for severe impacts, including data breaches and system compromises, this vulnerability underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity practices and regular updates.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
- Vulnerability Type: PHP Object Injection via deserialization of untrusted input.
- Affected Function:
veda_backup_and_restore_action. - Exploitation Conditions: Authenticated user with Subscriber-level access or higher.
- POP Chain Requirement: The vulnerability requires the presence of a POP chain in another installed plugin or theme to be fully exploitable.
- Mitigation: Update the theme to a patched version and review all installed plugins and themes for POP chains.
Conclusion
The EUVD-2024-53983 vulnerability in the VEDA - MultiPurpose WordPress Theme represents a critical risk to WordPress sites using this theme. Immediate action is required to update the theme and review the security posture of all installed plugins and themes. Organizations should prioritize regular security audits and implement robust access controls to mitigate the risk of exploitation.