CVE-2024-50436
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include arbitrary local files through improper filename control in PHP's include/require statements in the Clean Retina WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially execute malicious code or access sensitive files. All WordPress sites using affected versions of the Clean Retina theme are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Theme Horse Clean Retina WordPress Theme
📦 What is this software?
Clean Retina by Themehorse
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or website defacement.
Likely Case
Local file inclusion allowing attackers to read sensitive files like configuration files or execute existing PHP code.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are properly configured and web server runs with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires knowledge of vulnerable parameter and path traversal techniques. Public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 3.0.7 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/clean-retina/wordpress-clean-retina-theme-3-0-6-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check for Clean Retina theme update. 4. Update to version 3.0.7 or later. 5. Alternatively, download updated theme from WordPress repository and replace files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme temporarily
Restrict file access
linuxConfigure web server to restrict access to sensitive directories
# Apache: Add to .htaccess
<FilesMatch "\.(php|inc)$">
Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
</FilesMatch>
# Nginx: Add to server block
location ~ /\. {
deny all;
}
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Switch to alternative WordPress theme immediately
- Implement web application firewall rules to block file inclusion patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in Appearance > Themes or examine style.css file in wp-content/themes/clean-retina/ for version number.Check Version:
grep 'Version' wp-content/themes/clean-retina/style.cssVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Clean Retina theme version is 3.0.7 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in web server logs
- Requests containing '../' or similar path traversal sequences
- Access to unexpected PHP files
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file inclusion parameters
- Unusual POST/GET parameters targeting theme files
SIEM Query:
web.url:*clean-retina* AND (web.url:*../* OR web.param:*../*)