CVE-2024-13681 Overview
CVE-2024-13681 is an arbitrary file read vulnerability in the Uncode theme for WordPress. The flaw exists in the uncode_admin_get_oembed function due to insufficient input validation. All versions up to and including 2.9.1.6 are affected. Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this issue over the network to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, and sensitive application data. The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-20] Improper Input Validation.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can read arbitrary files on WordPress servers running vulnerable Uncode theme installations, exposing wp-config.php and other sensitive files.
Affected Products
- Undsgn Uncode theme for WordPress (all versions through 2.9.1.6)
- WordPress sites using the Uncode multipurpose theme
- Installations with the uncode_admin_get_oembed function exposed
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-02-18 - CVE-2024-13681 published to NVD
- 2025-02-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-13681
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the uncode_admin_get_oembed function in the Uncode WordPress theme. This function fails to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in file read operations. An unauthenticated attacker can supply crafted input that causes the function to read files outside the intended scope. The flaw affects confidentiality directly, with no impact on integrity or availability. According to the EPSS model, the exploitability probability is 0.299% (percentile 53.6), reflecting moderate interest relative to other published CVEs.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation [CWE-20] in the uncode_admin_get_oembed handler. The function accepts attacker-controlled parameters that ultimately reach file read operations without sanitization or path normalization. Because the endpoint is reachable without authentication, no privilege or user interaction is required to trigger the read primitive.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based. An attacker sends an HTTP request to the vulnerable endpoint exposed by the Uncode theme, supplying a path or URL that the uncode_admin_get_oembed function uses to fetch local file contents. The server returns file contents in the response. Refer to the Wordfence Vulnerability Report for technical context on the exposed function.
No verified public exploit code is available at this time. The vulnerability mechanism is described in prose because no validated proof-of-concept has been published.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-13681
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to admin-ajax endpoints invoking the uncode_admin_get_oembed action from unauthenticated sessions
- Requests containing file://, php://, or local path schemes in oembed-related parameters
- Outbound responses containing contents of wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or other system files
- Anomalous spikes in 200-status responses to oembed admin endpoints from external IP addresses
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for requests targeting admin-ajax.php with the uncode_admin_get_oembed action parameter
- Deploy WAF signatures that detect path traversal patterns and local file scheme prefixes in oembed parameters
- Monitor for unauthenticated POST or GET requests to admin endpoints associated with the Uncode theme
- Correlate file access patterns from the WordPress process against expected baseline behavior
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on the WordPress application and proxy tier for the duration of remediation
- Alert on responses containing strings such as DB_PASSWORD, AUTH_KEY, or <?php returned from oembed endpoints
- Track the installed version of the Uncode theme across managed WordPress instances
- Review CDN and reverse proxy logs for repeated probing of admin-ajax actions from single source IPs
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-13681
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Uncode theme to a version later than 2.9.1.6 as published in the Undsgn Change Log
- Audit wp-config.php and rotate database credentials, salts, and API keys if exposure is suspected
- Restrict access to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php from untrusted networks where feasible
- Review web server logs for prior exploitation attempts against the vulnerable endpoint
Patch Information
The vendor has released a fixed version of the Uncode theme. Administrators should consult the Undsgn Change Log to identify the patched release and apply the update through the WordPress theme update mechanism. The Wordfence Vulnerability Report provides additional remediation guidance.
Workarounds
- Disable or remove the Uncode theme until patching is complete
- Deploy a web application firewall rule blocking requests with action=uncode_admin_get_oembed from unauthenticated sources
- Apply file system permissions that restrict the web server user from reading sensitive configuration files where operationally possible
- Implement IP allowlisting for wp-admin directories on sites with limited administrator locations
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
