CVE-2024-49254
📋 TL;DR
This critical vulnerability in the WordPress ajax-extend plugin allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected websites. The Code Injection flaw (CWE-94) enables complete system compromise through improper input validation. All WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of this plugin are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress ajax-extend 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 attacker gaining full control over the WordPress installation, database access, and potentially the underlying server infrastructure.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to website defacement, data theft, malware installation, or use as part of a botnet.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper web application firewalls and input validation are in place, though risk remains high due to the nature of code injection.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability is publicly documented with technical details available, making exploitation straightforward for attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not available
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/ajax-extend/wordpress-ajax-extend-plugin-1-0-remote-code-execution-rce-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Immediately disable and remove the ajax-extend plugin from all WordPress installations. 2. Check for any signs of compromise. 3. Monitor for official patch from plugin developer.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable and Remove Plugin
allCompletely remove the vulnerable plugin from WordPress installation
wp plugin deactivate ajax-extend
wp plugin delete ajax-extend
Web Application Firewall Rules
allImplement WAF rules to block suspicious AJAX requests and code injection patterns
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all AJAX endpoints
- Deploy a web application firewall with RCE protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress plugins list for ajax-extend plugin version 1.0 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name=ajax-extend --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm ajax-extend plugin is not installed or is disabled in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual AJAX requests to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php
- Suspicious PHP code execution in logs
- Unexpected file creation/modification
Network Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to AJAX endpoints with code-like payloads
- Traffic patterns indicating command execution
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.logs" AND ("ajax-extend" OR "admin-ajax.php") AND (payload="eval" OR payload="system" OR payload="exec")