CVE-2024-10957: UpdraftPlus WordPress Plugin Vulnerability

CVE-2024-10957 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the UpdraftPlus: WP Backup & Migration Plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability, present in versions up to and including 1.24.11, enables attackers to perform PHP Object Injection through the deserialization of untrusted input in the recursive_unserialized_replace function. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of this vulnerability, its potential impact, and mitigation strategies.

Key Details

Vulnerability Description:

• The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of untrusted input during the deserialization process. Specifically, the recursive_unserialized_replace function is responsible for replacing serialized strings but fails to validate the input adequately. This oversight allows attackers to inject a PHP object, leading to various unauthorized actions on the affected system.

Potential Impact

Unauthorized Code Execution:

• PHP Object Injection: By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can inject PHP objects that lead to unauthorized code execution. This is particularly dangerous if a POP (Property-Oriented Programming) chain is present via an additional plugin or theme, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code, delete files, retrieve sensitive data, or perform other malicious activities.

System Compromise:

• Data Integrity and Security Risks: Successful exploitation can result in the complete compromise of the affected WordPress site. Attackers could gain administrative access, modify site content, steal sensitive information, and disrupt site operations. This poses severe risks to the integrity and security of the data hosted on the site.

Mitigation Measures

Immediate Update to Latest Version:

• Update to Version 1.24.12 or Later: The most effective way to mitigate this vulnerability is to update the UpdraftPlus plugin to the latest version (1.24.12 or later), which includes fixes addressing the vulnerability. This update ensures that the deserialization process handles input securely, preventing potential exploits.

Interim Measures:

• Limit Search and Replace Actions: If an immediate update is not feasible, administrators should exercise caution when performing search and replace actions. It is advisable to avoid using templates from unverified sources to minimize the risk of injecting malicious content.
• Enhanced Monitoring and Logging: Implementing enhanced monitoring and logging can help detect any suspicious activity related to deserialization processes. This allows for prompt response and mitigation if an exploit attempt is detected.

Security Best Practices:

• Regular Backups: Ensuring regular backups of the WordPress site can help recover data in case of a security breach. Backups should be stored securely and verified periodically.
• Use of Security Plugins: Employing additional security plugins that offer features like firewall protection, malware scanning, and vulnerability detection can provide an extra layer of defense against potential exploits.

Conclusion

By updating to the latest version of the UpdraftPlus plugin and following recommended security measures, WordPress administrators can protect their sites from this serious threat. Staying informed about vulnerabilities and adopting best practices in cybersecurity is essential for maintaining a secure and resilient web presence.