CVE-2024-52490
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to upload arbitrary files, including web shells, to Pathomation servers due to insufficient file type validation. It affects all Pathomation installations up to version 2.5.1. Attackers can gain full control of affected web servers.
💻 Affected Systems
- Pathomation 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 compromise leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, lateral movement within network, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Web shell upload leading to unauthorized file system access, data exfiltration, and potential privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Attack blocked at web application firewall or file upload validation layer with no successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP POST request with malicious file upload. No authentication required. Public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.5.2 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Pathomation plugin to version 2.5.2 or later via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify update completed successfully. 3. Test file upload functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Pathomation plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patching is possible
wp plugin deactivate pathomation
Web Application Firewall rule
allBlock file upload requests to Pathomation endpoints
WAF specific - block POST requests containing file uploads to /wp-content/plugins/pathomation/
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file upload validation at web server level
- Restrict file upload permissions and monitor upload directories for suspicious files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel for Pathomation plugin version. If version is 2.5.1 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name=pathomation --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Pathomation plugin version is 2.5.2 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file uploads to Pathomation endpoints
- POST requests to upload.php or similar endpoints with executable file extensions
- Web server logs showing PHP/ASP file creation in upload directories
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests with file uploads to Pathomation plugin paths
- Unusual outbound connections from web server following uploads
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri_path="/wp-content/plugins/pathomation/" AND method="POST" AND (file_extension="php" OR file_extension="asp" OR file_extension="jsp"))