CVE-2024-12035
📋 TL;DR
The CS Framework WordPress plugin has an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher to delete any file on the server. This can lead to remote code execution by deleting critical files like wp-config.php. All WordPress sites using CS Framework version 6.9 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- CS Framework WordPress 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 site compromise through remote code execution by deleting wp-config.php or other critical files, leading to data loss, defacement, or malware installation.
Likely Case
Site disruption or data loss through deletion of important files, potentially causing downtime or requiring restoration from backups.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls and file permissions are in place, though the vulnerability still exists.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access but only Subscriber role needed, which is the lowest WordPress user role. Attackers can register accounts on sites with open registration.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 7.0 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://themeforest.net/item/jobcareer-job-board-responsive-wordpress-theme/14221636
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins. 3. Find CS Framework plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. If no update appears, manually download version 7.0+ from theme/plugin source and replace files via FTP.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable User Registration
allPrevent attackers from creating Subscriber accounts by disabling user registration.
Remove Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate and remove the CS Framework plugin if not essential for site functionality.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (755 for directories, 644 for files) to limit damage from file deletion attempts.
- Enable WordPress security plugins with file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized file changes.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > CS Framework. If version is 6.9 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name='CS Framework' --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify CS Framework plugin shows version 7.0 or higher in WordPress admin plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file deletion events in WordPress or web server logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by file deletion requests
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to admin-ajax.php with cs_widget_file_delete action
- Unusual file paths in POST parameters
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND "cs_widget_file_delete" OR source="apache.log" AND "admin-ajax.php" AND "POST" AND "action=cs_widget_file_delete"