CVE-2024-13691
📋 TL;DR
The Uncode WordPress theme has a vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher to read arbitrary files on the server. This occurs due to insufficient input validation in the 'uncode_recordMedia' function. All WordPress sites using Uncode theme versions up to 2.9.1.6 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Uncode WordPress Theme
📦 What is this software?
Uncode by Undsgn
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could read sensitive files like wp-config.php containing database credentials, SSH keys, or other configuration files, potentially leading to full site compromise.
Likely Case
Attackers will read configuration files to steal database credentials and escalate privileges or access sensitive user data.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to file disclosure without further exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once credentials are obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.9.1.7 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://support.undsgn.com/hc/en-us/articles/213454129-Change-Log
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check for Uncode theme updates. 4. Update to version 2.9.1.7 or later. 5. Clear any caching plugins/CDN caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict user registration
allDisable new user registration to prevent attackers from obtaining Subscriber accounts
Remove vulnerable function
allTemporarily disable or remove the uncoderecordMedia function from theme files
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for suspicious file read attempts
- Use web application firewall rules to block requests to the vulnerable endpoint
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes > Uncode theme details for version numberCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,version --format=csv | grep UncodeVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Uncode theme version is 2.9.1.7 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file read requests from authenticated users
- Requests to uncoderecordMedia endpoint with file path parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with action=uncode_recordMedia
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND uri="/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php" AND post_data CONTAINS "uncode_recordMedia" AND post_data CONTAINS "file="