CVE-2024-48042
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on WordPress sites running the vulnerable Contact Form by Supsystic plugin. Attackers can inject malicious commands through template engine inputs, leading to complete server compromise. All WordPress sites using versions up to 1.7.28 of this plugin are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Contact Form by Supsystic 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 allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, install malware, steal data, deface websites, or pivot to internal networks.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to website defacement, data theft, cryptocurrency mining, or backdoor installation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper web application firewalls, input validation, and least privilege principles are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability is publicly documented with proof-of-concept available, making exploitation straightforward for attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.7.29 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Contact Form by Supsystic'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download version 1.7.29+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate contact-form-by-supsystic
Web Application Firewall Rule
allBlock malicious template engine payloads at WAF level
Add WAF rule to block requests containing template injection patterns
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the Contact Form by Supsystic plugin completely and use alternative contact form solutions
- Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all form submissions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for 'Contact Form by Supsystic' version 1.7.28 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin get contact-form-by-supsystic --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 1.7.29 or later in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to contact form endpoints with suspicious template syntax
- Unexpected command execution in web server logs
- Increased system resource usage
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to suspicious IPs from web server
- Unusual traffic patterns to contact form endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="*/wp-content/plugins/contact-form-by-supsystic/*" AND (method="POST" OR method="GET") AND (content CONTAINS "{{" OR content CONTAINS "}}" OR content CONTAINS "system(" OR content CONTAINS "exec("))