CVE-2024-37501
📋 TL;DR
This path traversal vulnerability in the Advanced Classifieds & Directory Pro WordPress plugin allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory. It affects all WordPress sites using this plugin up to version 3.1.3, potentially exposing sensitive server files.
💻 Affected Systems
- Advanced Classifieds & Directory Pro 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 server compromise via local file inclusion leading to remote code execution, sensitive data exposure, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive server files like configuration files, logs, and user data stored on the server.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions and web server restrictions are in place, though some information disclosure may still occur.
🎯 Exploit Status
Path traversal vulnerabilities are typically easy to exploit with publicly available tools and techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.1.4 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Advanced Classifieds & Directory Pro'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. If no update appears, manually download version 3.1.4+ from WordPress.org and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the vulnerable plugin until patched
Web Server Restrictions
linuxConfigure web server to restrict file access outside web root
# For Apache: Set 'AllowOverride None' in directory configuration
# For Nginx: Use 'location' blocks to restrict file access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block path traversal patterns
- Restrict plugin access to authenticated users only if possible
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Advanced Classifieds & Directory Pro version numberCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name='advanced-classifieds-and-directory-pro' --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 3.1.4 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' sequences
- Access to unusual file paths in web logs
- Failed file access attempts outside web root
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with encoded directory traversal sequences (%2e%2e%2f, ..%2f)
SIEM Query:
web_access_logs WHERE url CONTAINS '../' OR url CONTAINS '%2e%2e%2f'🔗 References
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/advanced-classifieds-and-directory-pro/wordpress-advanced-classifieds-directory-pro-plugin-3-1-3-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/advanced-classifieds-and-directory-pro/wordpress-advanced-classifieds-directory-pro-plugin-3-1-3-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
