CVE-2024-6316 – This CSRF vulnerability in the Generate PDF usi... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-6316?

CVE-2024-6316 has a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH). This CSRF vulnerability in the Generate PDF using Contact Form 7 WordPress plugin allows unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files to affected websites by tricking administrators into clicking malicious links. Attackers could potentially achieve remote code execution by uploading malicious files. All WordPress sites using this plugin version 4.0.6 or earlier are affected.

📋 TL;DR

This CSRF vulnerability in the Generate PDF using Contact Form 7 WordPress plugin allows unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files to affected websites by tricking administrators into clicking malicious links. Attackers could potentially achieve remote code execution by uploading malicious files. All WordPress sites using this plugin version 4.0.6 or earlier are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Generate PDF using Contact Form 7 WordPress plugin

Versions: Up to and including 4.0.6

Operating Systems: Any OS running WordPress

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All WordPress installations with vulnerable plugin versions are affected regardless of configuration.

📦 What is this software?

Generate Pdf Using Contact Form 7 by Zealousweb

View all CVEs affecting Generate Pdf Using Contact Form 7 →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Remote code execution leading to complete site compromise, data theft, malware distribution, or site defacement.

🟠

Likely Case

Unauthorized file upload leading to backdoor installation, data exfiltration, or site takeover.

🟢

If Mitigated

Failed exploitation attempts logged with no impact if proper CSRF protections and file validation are in place.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH

🏢 Internal Only: LOW

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

Exploitation requires social engineering to trick administrators but uses standard CSRF techniques.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 4.0.7 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://wordpress.org/plugins/generate-pdf-using-contact-form-7/#developers

Restart Required: No

Instructions:

1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Generate PDF using Contact Form 7'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download latest version from WordPress.org and replace plugin files.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Temporary Plugin Deactivation

all

Disable the vulnerable plugin until patched

wp plugin deactivate generate-pdf-using-contact-form-7

Web Application Firewall Rules

all

Block requests to vulnerable endpoint

# Add WAF rule to block POST requests to /wp-admin/admin.php?page=cf7-pdf-generation

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Disable the Generate PDF using Contact Form 7 plugin immediately
Implement strict file upload restrictions at web server level

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for 'Generate PDF using Contact Form 7' version 4.0.6 or earlier

Check Version:

wp plugin get generate-pdf-using-contact-form-7 --field=version

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify plugin version is 4.0.7 or later in WordPress admin panel

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual file uploads to wp-content/uploads/cf7-pdf-generate/
POST requests to /wp-admin/admin.php?page=cf7-pdf-generation without proper nonce

Network Indicators:

CSRF payloads targeting the vulnerable endpoint
Unexpected file uploads to plugin directories

SIEM Query:

source="web_logs" AND (uri="/wp-admin/admin.php" AND parameters="page=cf7-pdf-generation") AND method="POST"

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-6316

CVSS v3 Score: 8.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-352

Published: July 9, 2024

Last Updated: March 7, 2025

🔗 References

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