CVE-2024-38746
📋 TL;DR
This path traversal vulnerability in the MakeStories WordPress plugin allows attackers to read arbitrary files on the server and perform server-side request forgery (SSRF). It affects all WordPress sites using MakeStories for Google Web Stories plugin versions up to 3.0.3.
💻 Affected Systems
- MakeStories for Google Web Stories 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
Attackers could read sensitive files like wp-config.php containing database credentials, access system files, or use SSRF to attack internal services, potentially leading to full site compromise.
Likely Case
Attackers will likely exfiltrate sensitive configuration files and use SSRF to scan internal networks or access metadata services in cloud environments.
If Mitigated
With proper file permissions and network segmentation, impact is limited to file disclosure within web-accessible directories and restricted internal network access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit details are available on Patchstack and other security databases. The vulnerability requires no authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.0.4 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'MakeStories for Google Web Stories'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download version 3.0.4+ from WordPress.org and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the MakeStories plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate makestories-helper
Restrict file access via .htaccess
linuxAdd directory restrictions to prevent path traversal attempts
<FilesMatch "\.(php|inc|conf|sql|env)$">
Order Allow,Deny
Deny from all
</FilesMatch>
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block path traversal patterns
- Restrict outbound network connections from the web server to prevent SSRF
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for 'MakeStories for Google Web Stories' versionCheck Version:
wp plugin get makestories-helper --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 3.0.4 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in web server logs
- Requests containing '../' sequences or file parameter manipulation
Network Indicators:
- Outbound requests from web server to internal IP ranges or metadata services
SIEM Query:
web_access_logs WHERE url CONTAINS '../' OR url CONTAINS 'file=' AND user_agent NOT IN ('normal_user_agents')