CVE-2024-48035
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to upload arbitrary files, including web shells, to WordPress servers running the vulnerable ACF Images Search And Insert plugin. Attackers can achieve remote code execution and full server compromise. All WordPress sites using affected plugin versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- ACF Images Search And Insert 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 takeover with web shell installation, data theft, defacement, and use as pivot point for network attacks.
Likely Case
Web shell upload leading to data exfiltration, malware distribution, or cryptomining operations.
If Mitigated
File upload attempts blocked or logged, with no successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access to WordPress admin or contributor roles.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.1.5 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'ACF Images Search And Insert'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 1.1.5+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched.
wp plugin deactivate acf-images-search-and-insert
Restrict File Uploads
linuxConfigure web server to block execution of uploaded files in upload directories.
# Apache: Add 'php_flag engine off' to .htaccess in uploads directory
# Nginx: location ~* \.php$ { deny all; } in uploads location block
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove plugin entirely and find alternative solution
- Implement strict file upload validation at application layer
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin > Plugins > Installed Plugins for ACF Images Search And Insert version 1.1.4 or earlier.Check Version:
wp plugin get acf-images-search-and-insert --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 1.1.5 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file uploads to wp-content/uploads/
- POST requests to plugin-specific endpoints with file parameters
- Execution of PHP files from upload directories
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file uploads to plugin endpoints
- Outbound connections from web server to unknown IPs
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri_path="*acf-images-search*" AND method="POST" AND file_upload="true")