CVE-2024-38734
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious files to WordPress sites using the Import Spreadsheets from Microsoft Excel plugin, potentially leading to code execution. It affects all versions up to 10.1.4. WordPress administrators using this plugin are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Import Spreadsheets from Microsoft Excel 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 through remote code execution, allowing attackers to install backdoors, steal data, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Website defacement, malware injection, or creation of backdoors for persistent access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file uploads are restricted to authenticated users only and proper file validation is in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access to WordPress, but once obtained, uploading malicious files is straightforward.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 10.1.5
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Import Spreadsheets from Microsoft Excel'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available, or manually update to version 10.1.5 or later.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched.
wp plugin deactivate import-spreadsheets-from-microsoft-excel
Restrict File Uploads
allConfigure web server to block uploads of executable file types.
# In .htaccess for Apache:
<FilesMatch "\.(php|phtml|php3|php4|php5|pl|py|jsp|asp|sh|cgi)$">
Order Allow,Deny
Deny from all
</FilesMatch>
# In nginx config:
location ~* \.(php|phtml|php3|php4|php5|pl|py|jsp|asp|sh|cgi)$ {
deny all;
}
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable the Import Spreadsheets from Microsoft Excel plugin immediately.
- Implement strict file upload validation and restrict uploads to authenticated administrators only.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for 'Import Spreadsheets from Microsoft Excel' version.Check Version:
wp plugin get import-spreadsheets-from-microsoft-excel --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 10.1.5 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file uploads to WordPress uploads directory, especially executable files.
- HTTP POST requests to plugin-specific endpoints with file uploads.
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from web server post-file upload.
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("import-spreadsheets" OR "upload" AND ".php" OR ".phtml")🔗 References
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/import-spreadsheets-from-microsoft-excel/wordpress-import-spreadsheets-from-microsoft-excel-plugin-10-1-4-arbitrary-file-upload-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/import-spreadsheets-from-microsoft-excel/wordpress-import-spreadsheets-from-microsoft-excel-plugin-10-1-4-arbitrary-file-upload-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
