CVE-2024-12269
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to download the entire WordPress database through the Safe Ai Malware Protection plugin. Any WordPress site using this plugin version 1.0.17 or earlier is affected. Attackers can access sensitive data including user credentials, content, and configuration.
💻 Affected Systems
- Safe Ai Malware Protection for WP WordPress plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database exfiltration leading to credential theft, sensitive data exposure, and potential site takeover if admin credentials are compromised.
Likely Case
Attackers download the database containing user data, posts, comments, and potentially hashed passwords for offline cracking.
If Mitigated
With proper network controls and monitoring, unauthorized database exports would be detected and blocked before significant data loss.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only HTTP access to the vulnerable endpoint with no authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 1.0.18 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3151237/safe-ai-malware-protection-for-wp/trunk/includes/class-mvsp-export-db.php
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Safe Ai Malware Protection for WP'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. If no update appears, manually download version 1.0.18+ from WordPress.org and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the vulnerable plugin until patched.
Block Vulnerable Endpoint
ApacheUse web application firewall or .htaccess to block access to the export_db function.
# Add to .htaccess:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} export_db [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately disable the Safe Ai Malware Protection plugin via WordPress admin or by renaming its directory.
- Implement strict network access controls to limit external access to the WordPress installation.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for 'Safe Ai Malware Protection for WP' version 1.0.17 or earlier.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name='safe-ai-malware-protection-for-wp' --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 1.0.18 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests to */wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with 'action=export_db' parameter
- Large database export file downloads from unexpected IP addresses
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound traffic patterns indicating database export
- HTTP requests to plugin-specific endpoints without authentication
SIEM Query:
source="web_access_logs" AND uri="*/admin-ajax.php" AND query="*action=export_db*"