CVE-2024-1468 Overview
CVE-2024-1468 affects the Avada Website Builder theme for WordPress and WooCommerce. The vulnerability resides in the ajax_import_options() function, which fails to validate file types during upload operations. All versions of Avada up to and including 7.11.4 are affected.
Authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher can upload arbitrary files to the server. This condition may enable remote code execution on the affected WordPress site. The flaw is categorized as an Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type [CWE-434].
Critical Impact
Contributor-level users can upload arbitrary files through the Avada theme, potentially achieving remote code execution on the underlying web server.
Affected Products
- Theme-Fusion Avada Website Builder for WordPress versions up to and including 7.11.4
- WordPress installations using vulnerable Avada theme releases
- WooCommerce storefronts built on affected Avada versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-02-29 - CVE-2024-1468 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-1468
Vulnerability Analysis
The Avada theme exposes an AJAX handler named ajax_import_options() used to import theme option configurations. The handler accepts file input from authenticated users but does not enforce file type restrictions on the uploaded content. Attackers can submit files with executable extensions such as .php in place of legitimate configuration files.
Once uploaded to a web-accessible directory, the attacker can request the file directly from the web server. The PHP interpreter executes the file, granting the attacker code execution in the context of the web server process. The exploit path leverages the WordPress authentication layer, but only requires contributor privileges, which are commonly granted to guest authors and low-trust editorial users.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input validation in ajax_import_options(). The function processes uploaded files without checking MIME type, extension allowlists, or file magic bytes. This defect corresponds to CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type.
Attack Vector
The attack requires network access to the WordPress admin AJAX endpoint and valid credentials for a contributor or higher role. The attacker authenticates, invokes the vulnerable AJAX action, and submits a crafted multipart request containing a PHP payload. After the file lands in an accessible upload directory, a follow-up HTTP request triggers execution.
The vulnerability manifests server-side and does not require user interaction from an administrator. Full technical write-up is available in the Wordfence Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-1468
Indicators of Compromise
- POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with the action parameter targeting the Avada options import handler from contributor accounts
- New .php, .phtml, or .phar files appearing in Avada theme or WordPress upload directories
- Outbound connections from the PHP-FPM or web server process to unfamiliar external hosts
- Unexpected shell utilities such as wget, curl, or bash executed by the web server user
Detection Strategies
- Monitor WordPress access logs for authenticated AJAX requests to Avada import actions followed by direct requests to newly written files
- Deploy file integrity monitoring on wp-content/themes/ and wp-content/uploads/ to alert on unauthorized script creation
- Correlate contributor role logins with subsequent file write activity and process spawns from the web server
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress audit logging for role changes, plugin and theme actions, and AJAX invocations
- Forward web server, PHP, and WordPress logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation and retention
- Alert on any web-shell signatures matching functions such as eval, base64_decode, or system written to upload paths
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-1468
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Avada theme to a version later than 7.11.4 using the WordPress theme updater or the Avada dashboard
- Audit user accounts and revoke contributor or higher privileges from untrusted or dormant users
- Scan wp-content/uploads/ and theme directories for unauthorized PHP files and remove any web shells found
- Rotate WordPress administrator passwords and API keys if compromise is suspected
Patch Information
Theme-Fusion has released fixed versions of Avada that add file type validation to ajax_import_options(). Refer to the Avada Documentation Changelog for the specific release that addresses CVE-2024-1468 and apply the update through the WordPress admin interface.
Workarounds
- Restrict PHP execution in the WordPress uploads directory using web server configuration rules
- Temporarily downgrade contributor accounts or disable the Avada options import feature until patching is complete
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule to block requests to the vulnerable AJAX action from non-administrator sessions
# Example: Deny PHP execution in wp-content/uploads via Apache
# Place in wp-content/uploads/.htaccess
<FilesMatch "\.(php|phtml|phar|php[0-9])$">
Require all denied
</FilesMatch>
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
