CVE-2024-50492
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a code injection vulnerability in the ScottCart WordPress plugin that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. All WordPress sites running ScottCart versions up to 1.1 are vulnerable. Attackers can potentially take full control of affected websites.
💻 Affected Systems
- ScottCart WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
Scottcart by Scottpaterson
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the WordPress installation, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, install backdoors, steal sensitive data, deface websites, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to website defacement, data theft, cryptocurrency mining, or integration into botnets.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper web application firewalls, input validation, and restricted file permissions preventing code execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability allows remote code execution without authentication, making it highly attractive for attackers. Public exploit details are available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/scottcart/wordpress-scottcart-plugin-1-1-remote-code-execution-rce-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find ScottCart plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. If no update appears, manually download version 1.2+ from WordPress repository. 6. Deactivate and delete old version. 7. Upload and activate new version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable ScottCart Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patching is possible
wp plugin deactivate scottcart
Web Application Firewall Rules
allImplement WAF rules to block code injection attempts targeting ScottCart endpoints
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove ScottCart plugin completely and use alternative e-commerce solutions
- Implement strict network segmentation and isolate WordPress installation from sensitive systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for ScottCart version. If version is 1.1 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get scottcart --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify ScottCart plugin version is 1.2 or later in WordPress admin panel. Test functionality to ensure plugin works correctly after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to ScottCart endpoints
- PHP file creation in unexpected directories
- Webshell-like activity in access logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing suspicious code patterns to /wp-content/plugins/scottcart/
- Outbound connections from WordPress server to unknown IPs
SIEM Query:
source="web_access_logs" AND (uri="/wp-content/plugins/scottcart/*" AND (method="POST" OR method="PUT") AND (body CONTAINS "eval(" OR body CONTAINS "system(" OR body CONTAINS "exec("))