CVE-2024-37228: InstaWP Connect RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-37228 Overview

Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') vulnerability in InstaWP Team InstaWP Connect allows Code Injection. This issue affects InstaWP Connect: from n/a through 0.1.0.38.

Critical Impact
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server, leading to potential data loss, service disruption, and further system compromise.

Affected Products

instawp instawp_connect

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to instawp
Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-37228 assigned
Not Available - instawp releases security patch
2024-06-24 - CVE CVE-2024-37228 published to NVD
2025-02-06 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-37228

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability arises from improper validation and sanitation of user-supplied inputs, which allows attackers to inject malicious code into a vulnerable system component. This issue is exacerbated by the ease of exploitation over the network.

Root Cause

The root cause is the lack of adequate input validation in the code generation process, failing to sanitize or properly handle user inputs in instawp_connect versions.

Attack Vector

Network-based attack vector that requires no authentication, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server.

python

# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
malicious_payload = "<malicious_code_here>"
execute_code(malicious_payload)

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-37228

Indicators of Compromise

Unauthorized changes to system files or configurations
Unusual outbound network traffic
Presence of unexpected or unrecognized code in server environments

Detection Strategies

Analyzing network traffic for patterns indicative of exploit attempts and monitoring file integrity for unauthorized changes. Utilize EDR capabilities to identify suspicious process behaviors.

Monitoring Recommendations

Implement continuous network and endpoint monitoring using SentinelOne to detect anomalies in real-time, leveraging machine learning to identify patterns consistent with known exploitation techniques.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-37228

Immediate Actions Required

Immediately update to the latest version of instawp_connect
Perform a security audit to ensure no backdoors have been installed
Restrict network access to critical systems

Patch Information

Ensure that systems are updated with the latest patches from instawp to close the vulnerability affected by 0.1.0.38.

Workarounds

As a temporary measure, consider disabling the affected component until a comprehensive patch can be applied to mitigate the risks associated with this code injection vulnerability.

bash

# Configuration example
sudo systemctl stop instawp_connect
sudo systemctl disable instawp_connect