CVE-2024-33553: 8theme XStore Core Deserialization Flaw

CVE-2024-33553 Overview

The CVE-2024-33553 vulnerability is a critical Deserialization of Untrusted Data issue in the 8theme XStore Core plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to 5.3.5. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the server due to improper handling of serialized data.

Critical Impact
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise by executing arbitrary code on the server.

Affected Products

8theme XStore Core

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to 8theme
Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-33553 assigned
Not Available - 8theme releases security patch
2024-04-29 - CVE CVE-2024-33553 published to NVD
2025-02-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-33553

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability arises from insecure deserialization within the 8theme XStore Core plugin. The plugin fails to properly validate user input, allowing an attacker to inject malicious serialized objects that can manipulate the application's flow and execute arbitrary code.

Root Cause

The root cause is the unsanitized and unvalidated deserialization of user-supplied input.

Attack Vector

This vulnerability can be exploited over the network, specifically targeting web applications running the vulnerable plugin.

php

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
$serialized_data = base64_decode('YTp7TzozNzoiRXhhbXBsZU9iamVjdCI6MTp7czoxMDoiY29tbWFuZCI7czo2MToiZSAvdyogL2V0Yy9wYXNzd2QgfCBtYWlsIC9zcy87IHllcyB8IEBlY2hvICdfeWF5d2UnICA+IGxvZy5qcGcgPiBvd25lcnMtcHcuc3Nsd2QuayIgfTsifX0=');
$object = unserialize($serialized_data);

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-33553

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual network traffic patterns
Unexpected file modifications
Unauthorized access to sensitive areas of the application

Detection Strategies

Utilize intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor for anomalous serialization events and unauthorized access attempts. Regularly review application and server logs for unusual activities.

Monitoring Recommendations

Implement continuous monitoring of inbound and outbound network traffic for signs of exploitation attempts. Employ file integrity monitoring tools to detect unauthorized file changes.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-33553

Immediate Actions Required

Immediately update the XStore Core plugin to the latest secure version if a patch is available.
Segregate critical systems from those exposed to the internet.
Regularly back up data and configurations.

Patch Information

Monitor the 8theme's advisories and update the XStore Core plugin upon the release of a security patch to mitigate the vulnerability.

Workarounds

Until a patch is available, consider deploying a web application firewall (WAF) to filter out suspicious requests and inputs.

bash

# Configuration example
sudo apt-get install libapache2-modsecurity
# Configure ModSecurity rules to block suspicious serialized data