CVE-2024-54225
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the CodegearThemes Designer WordPress plugin, allowing attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files on the server. It affects all versions up to 1.3.3, potentially leading to remote code execution, data exposure, or system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- CodegearThemes Designer 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
Remote code execution leading to full server compromise, data theft, or malware deployment.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (e.g., configuration files) or limited code execution depending on server permissions.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if file inclusion is blocked or server permissions restrict access to critical files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation is straightforward via crafted HTTP requests; public proof-of-concept code is available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.3.4 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/designer/vulnerability/wordpress-designer-plugin-1-3-3-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Designer' plugin and update to version 1.3.4 or later. 4. Verify update completes successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the Designer plugin to prevent exploitation.
wp plugin deactivate designer
Restrict File Inclusion
linuxConfigure PHP settings to disable allow_url_include and restrict file paths.
php_admin_value allow_url_include Off
php_admin_value open_basedir /var/www/html
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to block malicious requests targeting file inclusion patterns.
- Monitor server logs for unusual file access attempts and restrict plugin directory permissions.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the plugin version in WordPress admin under Plugins > Installed Plugins; if version is 1.3.3 or earlier, it is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get designer --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, confirm the plugin version is 1.3.4 or later in the WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual HTTP requests with parameters like 'file=' or 'include=' targeting the plugin
- PHP errors related to file inclusion in server logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to plugin endpoints with suspicious file paths in parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="*designer*" AND (param="*file=*" OR param="*include=*"))