CVE-2024-10871
📋 TL;DR
The Category Ajax Filter WordPress plugin has a Local File Inclusion vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary PHP files on the server. This can lead to remote code execution, data theft, and complete system compromise. All WordPress sites using this plugin up to version 2.8.2 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Category Ajax Filter plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete server takeover via remote code execution, data exfiltration, backdoor installation, and lateral movement to other systems.
Likely Case
Website defacement, credential theft, database compromise, and installation of cryptocurrency miners or malware.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file uploads are restricted, PHP execution is disabled in upload directories, and proper file permissions are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation is straightforward via HTTP requests to the vulnerable parameter. Public proof-of-concept code is available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.8.3
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3183800/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Category Ajax Filter' and update to version 2.8.3 or later. 4. Alternatively, deactivate and delete the plugin if not needed.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allDeactivate the Category Ajax Filter plugin immediately
wp plugin deactivate category-ajax-filter
Web Application Firewall rule
allBlock requests containing the malicious parameter pattern
Add WAF rule to block: params[caf-post-layout] with file path traversal patterns
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable the Category Ajax Filter plugin immediately
- Implement strict file upload restrictions and disable PHP execution in upload directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Category Ajax Filter version. If version is 2.8.2 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get category-ajax-filter --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 2.8.3 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing 'params[caf-post-layout]' with file path traversal patterns
- Unexpected PHP file inclusions in web server logs
- Multiple failed inclusion attempts
Network Indicators:
- HTTP GET/POST requests to WordPress with suspicious file paths in parameters
- Traffic spikes to plugin-specific endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND ("params[caf-post-layout]" OR "caf-post-layout") AND (".." OR "/etc/" OR "/proc/")