CVE-2024-11289
📋 TL;DR
The Soledad WordPress theme contains a Local File Inclusion vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary PHP files on Windows servers. This can lead to remote code execution, data theft, or access control bypass. All WordPress sites using Soledad theme versions up to 8.5.9 on Windows servers are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Soledad WordPress Theme
⚠️ 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 compromise via remote code execution, leading to data exfiltration, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Unauthenticated attackers execute arbitrary PHP code to steal sensitive data, deface websites, or establish footholds for further attacks.
If Mitigated
Attackers can still probe for vulnerable systems but cannot execute code due to proper file upload restrictions and OS limitations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation is straightforward via crafted AJAX requests to vulnerable functions. Requires Windows environment and ability to upload PHP files for code execution.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 8.6.0 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://themeforest.net/item/soledad-multiconcept-blogmagazine-wp-theme/12945398
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check for Soledad theme updates. 4. Update to version 8.6.0 or higher. 5. Clear any caching plugins.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable AJAX endpoints
allRemove or restrict access to the vulnerable penci_archive_more_post_ajax_func, penci_more_post_ajax_func, and penci_more_featured_post_ajax_func functions
Add to theme's functions.php: remove_action('wp_ajax_nopriv_penci_archive_more_post_ajax_func', 'penci_archive_more_post_ajax_func');
remove_action('wp_ajax_nopriv_penci_more_post_ajax_func', 'penci_more_post_ajax_func');
remove_action('wp_ajax_nopriv_penci_more_featured_post_ajax_func', 'penci_more_featured_post_ajax_func');
Restrict file uploads
allPrevent PHP file uploads through WordPress media library and forms
Add to wp-config.php: define('ALLOW_UNFILTERED_UPLOADS', false);
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Migrate to Linux server environment to eliminate Windows-specific exploitation path
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Soledad theme version 8.5.9 or lowerCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,version --format=csv | grep -i soledadVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Soledad theme version is 8.6.0 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with action parameters: penci_archive_more_post_ajax_func, penci_more_post_ajax_func, penci_more_featured_post_ajax_func
- File inclusion attempts with path traversal sequences (../, ..\) in AJAX requests
Network Indicators:
- Unusual spikes in requests to admin-ajax.php endpoint
- Requests containing PHP file paths in parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND uri="/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php" AND (action="penci_archive_more_post_ajax_func" OR action="penci_more_post_ajax_func" OR action="penci_more_featured_post_ajax_func")