CVE-2024-50477: Stacks Mobile App Builder Auth Bypass

CVE-2024-50477 Overview

CVE-2024-50477 is an Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerability in the Stacks Mobile App Builder WordPress plugin. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and potentially take over user accounts on affected WordPress sites. The flaw exists in versions up to and including 5.2.3 of the plugin.

Critical Impact

This authentication bypass vulnerability enables attackers to completely circumvent login protections, potentially leading to full account takeover without requiring any credentials. Sites running vulnerable versions are at immediate risk of unauthorized access.

Affected Products

• Stacks Mobile App Builder WordPress Plugin versions up to and including 5.2.3
• WordPress installations with stacksmarket stacks_mobile_app_builder plugin

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-10-28 - CVE-2024-50477 published to NVD
• 2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-50477

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-288 (Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel) and CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function). The Stacks Mobile App Builder plugin for WordPress contains a critical flaw that allows attackers to bypass normal authentication workflows entirely.

The plugin fails to properly validate authentication states across all access paths, creating an alternate channel through which attackers can gain unauthorized access. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when developers implement authentication checks inconsistently across different entry points or API endpoints, leaving certain functions unprotected.

The network-based attack vector means exploitation can occur remotely without requiring any prior authentication, user interaction, or special privileges. Successful exploitation results in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress account.

Root Cause

The root cause stems from missing authentication checks for critical functions within the plugin. The Stacks Mobile App Builder appears to have implemented an alternate code path or API endpoint that does not enforce the same authentication requirements as the primary login mechanism. This allows attackers to access protected functionality through an unguarded alternate channel, completely bypassing the intended security controls.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploited over the network and requires no authentication or user interaction. An attacker can craft requests targeting the vulnerable alternate path to bypass authentication entirely. The attack complexity is low, meaning no specialized conditions or preparations are required for exploitation.

The vulnerability enables account takeover scenarios where an attacker can gain access to arbitrary user accounts on the affected WordPress installation. Given the plugin's purpose of building mobile applications, compromised accounts could lead to supply chain attacks affecting mobile app users downstream.

Detailed technical information about the exploitation mechanism is available in the Patchstack Vulnerability Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-50477

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected login sessions or account access from unfamiliar IP addresses
• Unauthorized changes to user account settings or privileges
• Anomalous API requests to the Stacks Mobile App Builder plugin endpoints
• Failed authentication attempts followed immediately by successful access without valid credentials

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WordPress access logs for unusual requests targeting the stacks-mobile-app-builder plugin directory
• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block authentication bypass attempts
• Review user session logs for accounts being accessed without corresponding successful login events
• Enable detailed audit logging on WordPress to capture all authentication-related activities

Monitoring Recommendations

• Set up real-time alerting for new administrator account creations or privilege escalations
• Monitor for bulk changes to user accounts that may indicate mass compromise
• Implement file integrity monitoring on WordPress core and plugin files
• Track API endpoint access patterns for the mobile app builder plugin

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-50477

Immediate Actions Required

• Immediately deactivate and remove the Stacks Mobile App Builder plugin version 5.2.3 and earlier
• Audit all user accounts for signs of unauthorized access or modification
• Force password resets for all users, particularly administrator accounts
• Review and revoke any suspicious user sessions currently active

Patch Information

As of the published advisory data, users should check the official WordPress plugin repository and the Patchstack advisory for updates on patched versions. If no patch is available, consider removing the plugin entirely until a security update is released by the vendor.

Workarounds

• Disable the Stacks Mobile App Builder plugin until a patched version is confirmed
• Implement IP-based access controls to limit access to WordPress admin areas
• Deploy a web application firewall with rules targeting authentication bypass patterns
• Enable two-factor authentication on all WordPress accounts as an additional security layer

# WordPress CLI commands to disable the vulnerable plugin
wp plugin deactivate stacks-mobile-app-builder --path=/var/www/html/wordpress

# Force logout all users to clear potentially compromised sessions
wp user session destroy --all --path=/var/www/html/wordpress

# List all administrator accounts for audit
wp user list --role=administrator --path=/var/www/html/wordpress