CVE-2024-56278
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on WordPress sites using the WP Ultimate Exporter plugin. Attackers can achieve remote code execution through improper input validation, potentially taking full control of affected websites. All WordPress installations with the vulnerable plugin versions are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Smackcoders WP Ultimate Exporter 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 allowing attackers to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, deface websites, or use the server for further attacks.
Likely Case
Website defacement, data theft, malware installation, or cryptocurrency mining operations.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper web application firewalls and file integrity monitoring are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability is publicly documented with technical details available. Remote file inclusion typically requires minimal attacker skill.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.9.2 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find WP Ultimate Exporter and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify plugin version is 2.9.2 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the WP Ultimate Exporter plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate wp-ultimate-exporter
Web Application Firewall rule
allBlock requests containing suspicious file inclusion patterns
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the WP Ultimate Exporter plugin completely from the WordPress installation
- Implement strict file upload restrictions and disable PHP execution in upload directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins for WP Ultimate Exporter version 2.9.1 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin get wp-ultimate-exporter --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version shows 2.9.2 or higher in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file inclusion attempts in web server logs
- POST requests to wp-ultimate-exporter endpoints with file parameters
- Unexpected PHP file creation in upload directories
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing file inclusion patterns targeting the plugin
- Outbound connections from WordPress server to unknown IPs
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="*wp-ultimate-exporter*" AND (param="*file*" OR param="*include*"))