CVE-2024-11740 Overview
CVE-2024-11740 affects the Download Manager plugin for WordPress in all versions up to and including 3.3.03. The plugin fails to validate a user-supplied value before passing it to the do_shortcode function. Unauthenticated attackers can trigger arbitrary shortcode execution against vulnerable sites over the network. The flaw is categorized as Improper Control of Generation of Code [CWE-94].
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can execute arbitrary WordPress shortcodes, potentially abusing any shortcode registered by the site or its installed plugins to disclose data, alter content, or pivot to further compromise.
Affected Products
- W3eden Download Manager plugin for WordPress (free edition)
- All versions up to and including 3.3.03
- WordPress sites with the plugin installed and activated
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-19 - CVE-2024-11740 published to NVD
- 2025-03-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-11740
Vulnerability Analysis
The Download Manager plugin exposes an action handler that invokes the WordPress do_shortcode function on attacker-controlled input. Because the plugin does not validate or restrict the supplied value before processing it, any shortcode registered in the WordPress environment can be evaluated. This includes shortcodes from the plugin itself and from any other plugin or theme installed on the site.
WordPress shortcodes execute server-side PHP logic. An attacker who can force execution of arbitrary shortcodes effectively gains access to functionality that the developer intended to be available only in trusted post or page contexts. The reachable code paths involve src/Package/Hooks.php and src/Package/views/shortcode-iframe.php as referenced in the WordPress plugin source tree.
The EPSS percentile of 94.7 indicates the vulnerability is among the more likely candidates for opportunistic exploitation against exposed WordPress sites.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input validation prior to a sink that interprets shortcode syntax. The plugin reads a request parameter, then passes the value into do_shortcode without an allowlist, signature check, or capability requirement. This is a classic [CWE-94] code injection pattern where untrusted data drives a code interpreter.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is performed remotely over HTTP without authentication or user interaction. An attacker crafts a request to the vulnerable plugin endpoint and supplies a payload containing one or more shortcode tags. The server then renders the shortcodes, executing the associated PHP handlers. The concrete impact depends on which shortcodes are registered on the target site, including shortcodes from third-party plugins that may expose sensitive operations.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is referenced in the advisory. See the Wordfence Vulnerability Analysis and the WordPress Plugin Code Review for the technical references.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-11740
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Download Manager plugin endpoints containing shortcode syntax such as [ and ] in query string or POST body parameters.
- Unexpected outbound network traffic or file creation generated by shortcode handlers exposed by other installed plugins.
- Web server access logs showing unauthenticated requests that trigger shortcode-rendering actions in wp-admin/admin-ajax.php or plugin front-end routes.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect request bodies and query parameters destined for the Download Manager plugin for the presence of WordPress shortcode tags from unauthenticated sessions.
- Correlate WordPress audit logs with web access logs to identify shortcode evaluation triggered without a logged-in user context.
- Hunt for anomalous PHP execution originating from the download-manager plugin directory in file integrity and process telemetry.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on the WordPress site and forward logs to a centralized analytics platform for retrospective hunting.
- Track the installed version of the Download Manager plugin across the WordPress estate and alert when it is at or below 3.3.03.
- Monitor for sudden changes in registered shortcodes or content generated by shortcode handlers.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-11740
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Download Manager plugin to a version newer than 3.3.03 on all WordPress sites.
- If an immediate update is not possible, deactivate the Download Manager plugin until a patched version is deployed.
- Audit installed plugins and themes to identify shortcodes that perform sensitive actions and could be abused through this flaw.
Patch Information
Upgrade the plugin to a version above 3.3.03 as published on the official WordPress plugin repository. Confirm the fix by reviewing the changed code paths in src/Package/Hooks.php and src/Package/views/shortcode-iframe.php. Refer to the Wordfence Vulnerability Analysis for fixed-version details.
Workarounds
- Deploy a web application firewall rule that blocks unauthenticated requests to Download Manager endpoints containing shortcode bracket syntax.
- Restrict access to the plugin's front-end routes by IP allowlist where the plugin is used for internal distribution only.
- Remove or disable shortcodes that perform privileged operations until the plugin is updated.
# Example WP-CLI commands to inventory and update the plugin
wp plugin get download-manager --field=version
wp plugin update download-manager
wp plugin deactivate download-manager # fallback if update is unavailable
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
