CVE-2024-43957 Overview
CVE-2024-43957 is a path traversal vulnerability in the Animated Number Counters WordPress plugin by Sk. Abul Hasan. The flaw allows authenticated users with editor-level access to perform PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI). All plugin versions from initial release through 1.9 are affected. The vulnerability maps to [CWE-22] Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. Exploitation can lead to disclosure of sensitive server files and execution of attacker-controlled PHP content.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can include arbitrary local PHP files, potentially achieving code execution on the WordPress host.
Affected Products
- Animated Number Counters plugin versions up to and including 1.9
- WordPress sites running the wpmart:animated_number_counters component
- Any environment granting editor-level access to untrusted users
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-29 - CVE-2024-43957 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-43957
Vulnerability Analysis
The Animated Number Counters plugin fails to properly sanitize user-controlled path input before passing it to a PHP file inclusion function. An authenticated user with editor privileges can supply a crafted path parameter that traverses outside the plugin's intended directory. The PHP interpreter then loads and executes the referenced file. This turns a path traversal weakness into a Local File Inclusion primitive.
Because PHP LFI can be chained with log poisoning, session file manipulation, or uploaded media, the vulnerability often escalates to remote code execution. The attack requires network access to wp-admin and valid editor credentials. No user interaction is required beyond the attacker's own authenticated request.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient validation of a filesystem path parameter handled by the plugin. The plugin concatenates attacker-supplied input into a path passed to a PHP include, require, or equivalent construct. Sequences such as ../ allow the resolved path to escape the intended base directory. No allowlist or canonicalization check enforces the restricted directory boundary.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is performed over the network by an attacker holding editor-level WordPress credentials. The attacker sends a request to the vulnerable plugin endpoint with a manipulated path parameter referencing a target file on the server. When the server processes the request, the referenced file is included and interpreted as PHP. See the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for advisory details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-43957
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Animated Number Counters plugin endpoints containing ../, ..%2f, or URL-encoded traversal sequences in path parameters
- Unexpected PHP file inclusions originating from wp-content/plugins/animated-number-counters/
- Access patterns from editor accounts targeting sensitive files such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files
- New or modified PHP files in web-accessible directories following editor-authenticated sessions
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress access logs for requests to plugin URLs carrying suspicious path parameters
- Alert on PHP include/require calls that resolve outside expected plugin directories via runtime application monitoring
- Correlate editor-role logins with anomalous plugin parameter usage to surface abuse of legitimate accounts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for all WordPress plugin requests and forward logs to a centralized SIEM
- Monitor filesystem integrity of the WordPress installation, particularly wp-content/uploads and plugin directories
- Track editor account activity for deviations from baseline behavior, including off-hours access and rapid parameter tampering
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-43957
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable or remove the Animated Number Counters plugin until a patched release is confirmed and deployed
- Audit all editor-level and higher WordPress accounts and revoke unused or shared credentials
- Enforce multi-factor authentication for all administrative and editor accounts
- Review web server and PHP logs for prior exploitation attempts referencing plugin paths
Patch Information
At the time of publication, versions through 1.9 are affected and no fixed version is listed in the advisory. Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the current fixed-version status before reinstalling.
Workarounds
- Remove the plugin from the WordPress installation if a patched version is unavailable
- Restrict editor role assignment to trusted users only and reduce the number of accounts with that role
- Deploy a web application firewall rule that blocks path traversal sequences in plugin request parameters
- Set PHP open_basedir to limit file inclusion to the WordPress document root and disable allow_url_include
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
