CVE-2024-44014
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to perform path traversal attacks in Vmaxstudio Vmax Project Manager WordPress plugin, leading to local file inclusion and potentially remote code execution. Attackers can read sensitive files or execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. All WordPress sites using Vmax Project Manager version 1.0 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Vmaxstudio Vmax Project Manager 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
Full server compromise with remote code execution, data theft, and complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) leading to further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited file read access if proper file permissions and web server restrictions are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Path traversal to LFI/RCE is well-documented and easy to exploit. Public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not available
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Immediately disable and remove the Vmax Project Manager plugin. 2. Check WordPress plugin repository for updated version. 3. If no update available, find alternative project management plugin.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin via WP-CLI
linuxDisables the vulnerable plugin without deleting files
wp plugin deactivate vmax-project-manager
Web Application Firewall Rule
allBlock path traversal patterns in requests
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Path Traversal Attempt'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove plugin files completely from wp-content/plugins/vmax-project-manager/
- Implement strict file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories) and disable PHP execution in upload directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins for 'Vmax Project Manager' version 1.0 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin get vmax-project-manager --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin is either updated to patched version or completely removed from plugins directory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' patterns to plugin endpoints
- PHP error logs showing file inclusion errors
- Access to sensitive files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file read requests to plugin URLs
- Requests with path traversal payloads
SIEM Query:
source="web_access.log" AND (uri="*vmax-project-manager*" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*..\\*"))