Description
A critical vulnerability has been identified in the WPBot Pro WordPress Chatbot plugin, affecting all versions up to, and including, version 13.5.4. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files to the affected server, potentially leading to remote code execution threats.
Affected Product(s)
- WPBot Pro WordPress Chatbot plugin versions up to 13.5.4
Technical Details
The WPBot Pro WordPress Chatbot plugin, a popular tool for integrating chatbots into WordPress sites, has been found to have a critical security vulnerability. This issue, designated as CVE-2024-13091, stems from the ‘qcld_wpcfb_file_upload’ function’s failure to properly validate file types. This oversight allows unauthenticated users to upload arbitrary files to the web server.
The impact of this vulnerability is magnified by its ability to enable remote code execution on the affected system. Here’s a breakdown of the technical aspects:
- Functionality Flaw: In the ‘qcld_wpcfb_file_upload’ function, there is no thorough validation of the file types being uploaded. This allows attackers to upload malicious files, potentially including PHP scripts or other executables that can be run on the server.
- Product Versions Affected: The vulnerability affects all versions of the WPBot Pro WordPress Chatbot plugin up to and including version 13.5.4. It’s crucial to also note that the exploit requires the ChatBot Conversational Forms plugin and the Conversational Form Builder Pro addon plugin to be present.
- Potential for Remote Code Execution: Given the nature of the vulnerability, an attacker can leverage it to upload scripts that, when executed, can take control of the server. This could lead to severe outcomes such as the attacker gaining full control over the web server, exfiltrating sensitive data, or deploying further attacks.
- Exploit Mechanism: To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker does not need to authenticate, simplifying the attack process. The upload mechanism fails to restrict or verify the type of file being uploaded, allowing malicious actors to bypass security measures easily.
- Threat Actors: There are no specific adversary groups tied to this vulnerability as per current data, but given the simplicity of the exploit, it’s likely that a wide range of threat actors could attempt to use it. Detailed research and analysis, including findings from the Wordfence Threat Intelligence, highlight the severity of the flaw:
- *Wordfence*: Wordfence Analysis
- *Official WPBot Site*: WPBot Site – Given the criticality of the vulnerability, immediate action is necessary to protect affected systems.
Weakness
The primary weakness associated with this vulnerability is categorized as CWE-434 – Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type. This means that the function responsible for handling file uploads does not enforce strict checks on the file type being uploaded, allowing potentially dangerous files to bypass security controls and be uploaded to the server.
Impact Assessment
If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This can result in full server compromise, including the possibility of data theft, deployment of malware, and further unauthorized activities (e.g., creating backdoors or spreading ransomware).
Active Exploitation
While there haven’t been any confirmed reports of specific adversary groups exploiting this vulnerability, the potential risk is significant given the nature of the exploit. Unauthenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerabilities with remote code execution capabilities are often quickly leveraged by both opportunistic and targeted attackers.
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Ransomware Association
Although there is no direct association with particular ransomware strains, the ability to upload and execute arbitrary files undoubtedly opens the door for ransomware deployment. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to deploy ransomware on the compromised server, encrypting data and demanding payments for decryption keys.
Mitigation and Resolution
We have released a patch that addresses this vulnerability. Please update to version 13.5.6 immediately. This update includes enhanced file validation mechanisms to prevent the upload of illicit file types.
Recommendations
- We strongly recommend that all customers apply the latest patch as soon as possible.
- Ensure that the WPBot Pro WordPress Chatbot plugin is updated to version 13.5.6.
- Consider implementing additional file upload restrictions and validations at the web server level to prevent unauthorized uploads.
- Regularly monitor and audit server logs for unusual activity related to file uploads or execution.
- Educate website administrators on the importance of applying updates and patches promptly to mitigate security risks.