CVE-2024-13545
📋 TL;DR
The Bootstrap Ultimate WordPress theme contains a Local File Inclusion vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to include arbitrary PHP files from the server. This can lead to remote code execution, particularly when php://filter wrappers are enabled. All WordPress sites using Bootstrap Ultimate theme versions up to 1.4.9 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Bootstrap Ultimate WordPress Theme
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete server compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Unauthenticated attackers achieve remote code execution by including malicious PHP files or using php://filter wrappers to execute arbitrary code.
If Mitigated
Attackers can still read sensitive files but code execution is prevented if PHP file uploads are restricted and php://filter is disabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple path parameter manipulation required. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.5.0 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://themes.trac.wordpress.org/browser/bootstrap-ultimate/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Update Bootstrap Ultimate theme to version 1.5.0 or later. 4. Alternatively, replace with a different theme.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable php://filter wrapper
allPrevent PHP filter wrappers from being used in file inclusion attacks
Edit php.ini: allow_url_fopen = Off
Edit php.ini: allow_url_include = Off
Restrict file uploads
linuxPrevent PHP file uploads to limit available files for inclusion
Edit .htaccess: <FilesMatch "\.php$"> Deny from all </FilesMatch>
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Deactivate and remove Bootstrap Ultimate theme immediately
- Implement web application firewall rules to block requests containing path traversal patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in wp-content/themes/bootstrap-ultimate/style.css or WordPress admin panelCheck Version:
grep 'Version:' wp-content/themes/bootstrap-ultimate/style.cssVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version is 1.5.0 or later in WordPress admin Appearance > Themes📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with path parameter containing ../ patterns
- Requests to theme files with unusual parameter values
- PHP error logs showing file inclusion failures
Network Indicators:
- Unusual requests to theme PHP files with path parameters
- Traffic patterns suggesting file inclusion attempts
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*path=*" AND uri="*../*") AND user_agent!="*bot*"