Description
The Altair theme for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data that can lead to privilege escalation due to a missing capability check within functions.php in all versions up to, and including, 5.2.4. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to update arbitrary options on the WordPress site. This can be leveraged to update the default role for registration to administrator and enable user registration for attackers to gain administrative user access to a vulnerable site.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-6717
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability in the Altair theme for WordPress, identified as EUVD-2025-6717 (CVE-2024-12922), is classified as a critical issue with a CVSS base score of 9.8. This high score is due to the following factors:
- Attack Vector (AV:N): The vulnerability can be exploited over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC:L): The attack requires low complexity.
- Privileges Required (PR:N): No privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction (UI:N): No user interaction is required.
- Scope (S:U): The scope is unchanged.
- Confidentiality (C:H): High impact on confidentiality.
- Integrity (I:H): High impact on integrity.
- Availability (A:H): High impact on availability.
The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by the potential for unauthenticated attackers to gain administrative access, leading to complete compromise of the affected WordPress site.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector involves exploiting the missing capability check within the functions.php file of the Altair theme. Specifically, attackers can:
- Unauthorized Data Modification: Exploit the vulnerability to update arbitrary options on the WordPress site.
- Privilege Escalation: Modify the default role for new user registrations to administrator.
- Enable User Registration: Enable user registration, allowing attackers to create new administrative accounts.
Exploitation methods may include:
- Automated Scripts: Attackers can use automated scripts to identify vulnerable WordPress sites and exploit the vulnerability.
- Manual Exploitation: Skilled attackers can manually craft HTTP requests to update options and escalate privileges.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of the Altair theme for WordPress up to and including version 5.2.4. Users of this theme are at risk if they have not updated to a patched version.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, the following steps are recommended:
- Immediate Update: Upgrade the Altair theme to the latest version that includes the security patch.
- Disable User Registration: Temporarily disable user registration until the theme is updated.
- Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Implement monitoring to detect any unauthorized changes to site options or new administrative accounts.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly.
- Use Security Plugins: Deploy security plugins like Wordfence to provide additional layers of protection.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to the European cybersecurity landscape, particularly for organizations and individuals using the Altair theme. The potential for unauthenticated attackers to gain administrative access can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and disruption of services. This underscores the importance of timely patching and proactive security measures.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Location: The vulnerability is located in the
functions.phpfile of the Altair theme. - Missing Capability Check: The lack of proper capability checks allows unauthenticated users to modify site options.
- Exploitation: Attackers can send crafted HTTP requests to update options, such as enabling user registration and setting the default role to administrator.
Detection and Response:
- Log Analysis: Review server logs for unusual activity, such as unauthorized changes to site options.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Implement IDS to detect and alert on suspicious activities related to this vulnerability.
- Incident Response Plan: Develop and maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any detected exploitation attempts.
Patching and Updates:
- Patch Availability: Ensure that the latest version of the Altair theme, which includes the security patch, is applied.
- Vendor Communication: Stay informed about updates and patches from the theme vendor, ThemeGoods.
Additional Resources:
- NVD Reference: CVE-2024-12922
- Wordfence Threat Intelligence: Wordfence Vulnerability Report
By following these recommendations and staying vigilant, organizations can significantly reduce the risk posed by this vulnerability.