CVE-2024-52501
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include and execute arbitrary PHP files from remote servers in the Office Locator WordPress plugin. It affects all WordPress sites running Office Locator versions up to 1.3.0, potentially leading to remote code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- Office Locator 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 through remote code execution, data theft, and complete website takeover.
Likely Case
Website defacement, malware injection, or backdoor installation leading to persistent access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file inclusion is restricted by server configuration or web application firewall rules.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation is straightforward if allow_url_include is enabled. Public proof-of-concept exists.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.3.1 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Office Locator and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify version is 1.3.1 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable allow_url_include
allPrevent PHP from including remote files via URL
Edit php.ini: allow_url_include = Off
Restart web server
Web Application Firewall Rule
linuxBlock requests containing suspicious include/require parameters
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "@rx (?:include|require).*http" "id:1001,phase:2,deny"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable or remove the Office Locator plugin immediately
- Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-controlled file paths
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Office Locator version. If version is 1.3.0 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name='office-locator' --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Office Locator version is 1.3.1 or higher in WordPress plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual PHP include/require statements in web server logs
- Requests with parameters containing 'http://' or 'https://' in file paths
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to unexpected domains following file inclusion attempts
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND ("include" OR "require") AND ("http://" OR "https://")