CVE-2024-11740 Scanner

The Download Manager plugin is widely used by WordPress site owners to manage and facilitate the downloading of files from their websites. Admins utilize this plugin to ensure secure and efficient downloads, facilitating user accessibility and content management. The plugin's features make it popular for educational sites and resource hubs where document distribution is essential. Moreover, it integrates seamlessly with other WordPress functionalities, making it a versatile choice for many web administrators. Businesses that need to share resources internally or with clients might also opt for this plugin. Its flexibility and ease of use contribute to its prevalent adoption across various domains.

The vulnerability identified in the Download Manager plugin allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes due to inadequate input validation. This flaw arises because the plugin does not properly verify inputs before executing them as shortcodes. It poses a serious risk as it could be exploited remotely without needing user interaction or authentication. Such vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized actions within the WordPress environment. The issue is compounded by the affected versions being used widely across numerous sites, emphasizing the necessity for a prompt update. The severity level marked as high underscores the potential impact of exploitation.

Technical investigation revealed that the flaw primarily exists in how shortcodes are executed within the Download Manager plugin, particularly in versions up to and including 3.3.03. Attackers can exploit this by sending crafted requests that the plugin processes without adequate validation, allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary shortcodes. The vulnerable end-point consists of actions performed by do_shortcode, an integral function in the plugin's operations. The misuse of this functionality can be observed when checking the plugin's package and view files, as referenced in the original advisory. This broadens the attack surface, offering malicious actors avenues to compromise plugin instances globally.

Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to increased access permissions being granted to unauthorized users. Attackers may utilize these permissions to disrupt services, modify or delete content, and perform other malicious activities. Such actions could severely compromise the integrity of a WordPress site, leading to data losses or service outages. In severe cases, the entire WordPress environment can be jeopardized, necessitating comprehensive security reviews post-exploitation. Additionally, the reputational damage to the site owners can be significant, especially if exploited in high-profile sites.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-cq39-wq4r-hjrj
• https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/download-manager/tags/3.3.02/src/Package/Hooks.php#L42
• https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/download-manager/tags/3.3.02/src/Package/views/shortcode-iframe.php#L203
• https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/4a7be578-5883-4cd3-963d-bf81c3af2003?source=cve