CVE-2024-11349: Adforest Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2024-11349 Overview

CVE-2024-11349 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability affecting the AdForest theme for WordPress. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 5.1.6 and stems from improper user identity verification in the sb_login_user_with_otp_fun() function. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and log in as arbitrary users, including administrators, without valid credentials.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can gain full administrative access to WordPress sites using the vulnerable AdForest theme, potentially leading to complete site compromise, data theft, and malicious content injection.

Affected Products

• AdForest WordPress Theme versions up to and including 5.1.6
• Scriptsbundle AdForest classified ads theme
• WordPress installations using the vulnerable AdForest theme

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-12-21 - CVE-2024-11349 published to NVD
• 2025-08-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-11349

Vulnerability Analysis

This authentication bypass vulnerability (CWE-288: Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel) occurs because the AdForest theme fails to properly verify user identity before granting authentication through the OTP (One-Time Password) login functionality. The sb_login_user_with_otp_fun() function does not adequately validate that the user requesting authentication is the legitimate owner of the account, allowing attackers to impersonate any user on the system.

The vulnerability is particularly severe because it requires no prior authentication or privileges to exploit. An attacker with network access to the WordPress installation can trigger the vulnerable function and gain access to any user account, including those with administrative privileges. This could result in complete confidentiality, integrity, and availability compromise of the affected WordPress site.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in the inadequate implementation of identity verification within the OTP-based login mechanism. The sb_login_user_with_otp_fun() function accepts user-supplied input to determine which account to authenticate without properly validating that the requester has legitimate ownership or authorization to access that account. This authentication logic flaw allows attackers to specify arbitrary user identities and bypass the normal authentication workflow.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires no user interaction. An unauthenticated attacker can craft malicious requests targeting the vulnerable OTP login function. By manipulating parameters passed to sb_login_user_with_otp_fun(), the attacker can specify a target user account (including administrator accounts) and bypass the authentication process entirely. Once authenticated, the attacker inherits all privileges of the compromised account, enabling them to modify site content, install malicious plugins, access sensitive data, or create additional backdoor accounts for persistent access.

The vulnerability mechanism involves submitting crafted authentication requests to the OTP login endpoint that bypass proper identity verification checks. Technical details and exploitation specifics can be found in the Wordfence Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-11349

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected administrator login events from unfamiliar IP addresses or locations
• New administrator accounts created without authorization
• Unusual activity in WordPress audit logs related to OTP authentication attempts
• Modified site content, themes, or plugins without legitimate administrator action

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WordPress authentication logs for anomalous login patterns, particularly involving the OTP mechanism
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the sb_login_user_with_otp_fun() endpoint
• Configure alerts for new user account creation, especially accounts with administrative privileges
• Review HTTP request logs for unusual POST requests to theme-specific authentication endpoints

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging for all WordPress authentication events
• Deploy real-time monitoring solutions to detect privilege escalation attempts
• Regularly audit user accounts and permissions for unauthorized changes
• Implement SentinelOne endpoint protection to detect post-exploitation activities and lateral movement

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-11349

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the AdForest theme to a version newer than 5.1.6 immediately if a patched version is available
• Review all administrator accounts for any unauthorized additions or modifications
• Reset credentials for all administrator accounts as a precautionary measure
• Audit WordPress audit logs for signs of unauthorized access or compromise

Patch Information

Organizations using the AdForest theme should check the ThemeForest Item Page for the latest version updates and security patches. Consult the Wordfence Vulnerability Report for additional remediation guidance and patch availability information.

Workarounds

• If an update is not immediately available, consider temporarily disabling the OTP login functionality within the AdForest theme
• Implement IP-based access restrictions for WordPress administrative functions
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to block malicious authentication requests
• Consider temporarily switching to a different theme until a patched version is confirmed

# Restrict access to WordPress admin area by IP (Apache .htaccess example)
<Files wp-login.php>
    Order Deny,Allow
    Deny from all
    Allow from YOUR_TRUSTED_IP
</Files>