CVE-2024-48039: CubeWP Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2024-48039 Overview

CVE-2024-48039 is a missing authorization vulnerability in the CubeWP cubewp-framework plugin developed by Imran Tauqeer. The flaw affects all versions of CubeWP up to and including 1.1.15. Attackers with low-privileged authenticated access can exploit incorrectly configured access control checks to perform actions reserved for higher-privileged roles. The weakness is classified under CWE-862: Missing Authorization and impacts WordPress sites running the affected plugin.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can bypass access controls to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected WordPress sites running CubeWP 1.1.15 or earlier.

Affected Products

CubeWP cubewp-framework plugin versions up to and including 1.1.15
WordPress installations using the CubeWP All-in-One Dynamic Content Framework
Sites relying on CubeWP for content management and role-based access

Discovery Timeline

2024-11-01 - CVE-2024-48039 published to the National Vulnerability Database
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-48039

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability stems from missing authorization checks within the CubeWP framework plugin. The plugin exposes functionality that fails to verify whether the requesting user holds the appropriate role or capability before executing sensitive actions. An authenticated attacker with minimal privileges, such as a subscriber-level account, can invoke these actions and manipulate plugin data or configuration.

The issue falls under broken access control, where security decisions rely on assumptions about user context rather than explicit capability checks. Exploitation requires network access to the WordPress site and low-level authenticated privileges. No user interaction is needed to trigger the vulnerable code paths.

The EPSS score is approximately 0.32%, placing it in the 24.8th percentile for exploitation likelihood. Public exploit code has not been published, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Root Cause

The root cause is the absence of current_user_can() or equivalent capability checks around privileged plugin endpoints. WordPress plugins are expected to gate administrative and data-modification actions behind explicit role verification. In CubeWP versions through 1.1.15, one or more request handlers process incoming actions without validating the caller's authorization level.

Attack Vector

Exploitation occurs over the network against the WordPress admin-ajax or REST endpoints registered by the plugin. The attacker authenticates as any low-privileged user, then issues crafted requests to the vulnerable action handlers. Because the affected endpoints do not enforce role-based restrictions, the plugin executes the requested operation as if the user were authorized. Full technical details are available in the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-48039

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected WordPress content changes, post modifications, or configuration updates performed by low-privileged accounts
Requests to CubeWP plugin AJAX or REST endpoints originating from subscriber or contributor accounts
New administrative capabilities, options, or metadata created by non-administrator users
Anomalous outbound traffic or scheduled tasks introduced after CubeWP endpoint activity

Detection Strategies

Audit WordPress access logs for POST requests to admin-ajax.php referencing CubeWP framework actions from non-privileged sessions
Compare current plugin option values and user metadata against known-good baselines
Enable WordPress activity logging plugins to record capability-sensitive operations and correlate them with user roles
Review authenticated session activity for CubeWP endpoint calls that precede privilege or content changes

Monitoring Recommendations

Alert on repeated calls to CubeWP action handlers from accounts without administrator or editor roles
Monitor for creation of new users, elevated role assignments, or option table changes tied to plugin activity
Track HTTP response codes and payload sizes on CubeWP endpoints to identify enumeration or abuse patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-48039

Immediate Actions Required

Update the CubeWP cubewp-framework plugin to a version later than 1.1.15 as soon as a patched release is available
Restrict registration and audit existing low-privileged accounts on affected WordPress sites
Review site content, users, and plugin settings for unauthorized modifications
Rotate credentials for administrative WordPress accounts as a precaution

Patch Information

A fixed release beyond version 1.1.15 addresses the missing authorization checks. Site operators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the current fixed version and vendor guidance before deploying updates.

Workarounds

Temporarily deactivate the CubeWP framework plugin if a patched version is not yet available for your environment
Disable open user registration in WordPress settings to reduce the pool of authenticated attackers
Deploy a Web Application Firewall rule to block requests to CubeWP action handlers from non-administrative sessions
Enforce strong authentication and multi-factor authentication for all WordPress accounts

bash

# Configuration example: disable open registration in wp-config.php
define('DISALLOW_FILE_MODS', true);
# In WordPress Settings > General, uncheck "Anyone can register"
# Or via WP-CLI:
wp option update users_can_register 0