CVE-2024-37419 Overview
CVE-2024-37419 is a path traversal vulnerability in the Codeless Cowidgets – Elementor Addons plugin for WordPress. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 1.1.1. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can traverse directories outside the intended path and include arbitrary local files. The Patchstack advisory classifies the issue as a local file inclusion (LFI), which stems from improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory [CWE-22].
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers to read sensitive files and potentially execute arbitrary PHP code on the WordPress server, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected Products
- Codeless Cowidgets – Elementor Addons plugin for WordPress
- All versions from n/a through 1.1.1
- WordPress sites with the plugin activated
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-07-09 - CVE-2024-37419 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-37419
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in file-handling logic within the Cowidgets – Elementor Addons plugin. User-supplied input reaches a file inclusion routine without sufficient sanitization of directory traversal sequences such as ../. Attackers with authenticated low-privilege access to the WordPress instance can supply crafted path values that escape the plugin's intended base directory.
Because the flaw is classified as a local file inclusion, the vulnerable code path passes the traversed path to a PHP inclusion function. This enables reading of arbitrary readable files on the host and, depending on server configuration, execution of attacker-controlled PHP content included through log files, uploaded media, or session files.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of proper canonicalization and allow-list validation for file path parameters before they are used in file inclusion operations. The plugin does not restrict input to an expected directory or filter traversal sequences, permitting path escape.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network by an authenticated user with low privileges. No user interaction is required. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable plugin endpoint with a manipulated file path parameter. The server processes the traversal and includes the target file.
Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-37419
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Cowidgets plugin endpoints containing traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or encoded variants
- Access log entries referencing sensitive files such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session paths through plugin parameters
- Unexpected inclusion of log files, uploaded media, or temporary files via plugin request parameters
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress and web server access logs for suspicious query parameters targeting the Cowidgets plugin path
- Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules that block directory traversal patterns and URL-encoded variants
- Correlate authenticated low-privilege user sessions with anomalous file access patterns on the host
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on WordPress plugin request parameters containing ../ or %2e%2e%2f sequences
- Monitor file system reads of wp-config.php and other sensitive configuration files by the web server process
- Track outbound requests and unexpected PHP execution originating from plugin components
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-37419
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the Cowidgets – Elementor Addons plugin if a patched version is not available for your installation
- Audit WordPress user accounts and rotate credentials for any low-privilege accounts that could reach the vulnerable endpoint
- Review web server access logs for prior exploitation attempts targeting the plugin
Patch Information
At the time of CVE publication, the vulnerability affects all versions through 1.1.1. Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest fix status and upgrade guidance from the vendor.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin area using IP allow-listing or additional authentication factors
- Deploy WAF signatures that block path traversal payloads in requests to WordPress plugin endpoints
- Apply file system permissions that prevent the web server user from reading sensitive files outside the WordPress document root
# Example WAF rule (ModSecurity) blocking path traversal in query parameters
SecRule ARGS "@rx (\.\./|\.\.%2f|%2e%2e/|%2e%2e%2f)" \
"id:1004371,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Path traversal attempt targeting WordPress plugin'"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
