CVE-2024-50510: AR For Woocommerce RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-50510 Overview

CVE-2024-50510 is an Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability (CWE-434) affecting the AR For Woocommerce WordPress plugin developed by webandprint. This critical flaw allows attackers to upload arbitrary files, including web shells, to vulnerable web servers running the affected plugin. The vulnerability affects all versions of AR For Woocommerce from the initial release through version 6.3.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to upload malicious PHP web shells, potentially gaining full control over the underlying web server and compromising sensitive WordPress site data.

Affected Products

• AR For Woocommerce plugin versions through 6.3
• WordPress installations using the vulnerable ar-for-woocommerce plugin
• WooCommerce-enabled sites with AR For Woocommerce integration

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-10-30 - CVE-2024-50510 published to NVD
• 2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-50510

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper file type validation in the AR For Woocommerce plugin's file upload functionality. The plugin fails to adequately restrict the types of files that can be uploaded, allowing attackers to bypass security controls and upload executable scripts such as PHP web shells. Once uploaded, these malicious files can be accessed directly through the web server, providing attackers with remote code execution capabilities.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type), which represents a fundamental security flaw where applications do not properly validate file uploads before storing them on the server. This class of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications as it often leads to complete system compromise.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-50510 lies in the insufficient validation of uploaded file content and extensions within the AR For Woocommerce plugin. The plugin does not implement proper server-side checks to verify that uploaded files are legitimate and safe. Key deficiencies include:

• Missing or inadequate file extension validation
• Lack of MIME type verification on uploaded content
• Absence of content inspection to detect malicious code
• Improper handling of file storage in web-accessible directories

Attack Vector

The attack leverages the plugin's file upload mechanism to deploy malicious payloads. An attacker can craft a malicious file with a PHP extension containing web shell code and upload it through the vulnerable functionality. Since the plugin stores uploaded files in a web-accessible location without proper restrictions, the attacker can then directly access the uploaded web shell via HTTP request to execute arbitrary commands on the server.

The exploitation typically follows these steps: First, the attacker identifies a WordPress site running the vulnerable AR For Woocommerce plugin. Next, they craft a malicious PHP file containing backdoor functionality. The attacker then uploads this file through the vulnerable upload endpoint. Finally, they access the uploaded file directly to gain command execution on the target server.

For detailed technical analysis, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-50510

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected PHP files in WordPress upload directories, particularly in wp-content/uploads/ or plugin-specific folders
• Web server access logs showing requests to unusual PHP files in upload directories
• Outbound connections from the web server to unknown external IP addresses
• Suspicious process execution initiated by the web server user account
• Modified or newly created files with obfuscated PHP code patterns

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file system changes in WordPress upload directories for new executable files
• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block web shell upload attempts
• Analyze web server access logs for POST requests to upload endpoints followed by GET requests to uploaded PHP files
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions to identify web shell behavior patterns such as command execution and reverse shell connections
• Perform regular integrity monitoring of WordPress plugin directories

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all file upload operations within WordPress
• Configure alerts for creation of PHP files in directories that should only contain media files
• Monitor for abnormal web server process behavior including unexpected child processes or network connections
• Implement regular security scanning of the WordPress installation using vulnerability scanners
• Review web server access logs for patterns consistent with web shell interaction

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-50510

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the AR For Woocommerce plugin to the latest patched version immediately
• Audit the WordPress uploads directory and plugin folders for any suspicious PHP files
• Remove any unauthorized or suspicious files discovered during the audit
• Review web server access logs to determine if the vulnerability has been exploited
• Consider temporarily disabling the AR For Woocommerce plugin until a patch can be applied

Patch Information

Organizations should update the AR For Woocommerce plugin to a version newer than 6.3 that addresses this arbitrary file upload vulnerability. Check the official plugin page or the Patchstack advisory for the latest patched version information. Ensure that automatic updates are enabled for WordPress plugins or establish a regular patch management schedule.

Workarounds

• Implement server-side restrictions to prevent execution of PHP files in upload directories using .htaccess rules or web server configuration
• Configure the web application firewall to block requests containing common web shell signatures
• Restrict file upload functionality to authenticated administrators only until the plugin is patched
• Apply the principle of least privilege to the web server user to limit the impact of potential compromise
• Consider using a WordPress security plugin that provides file integrity monitoring and upload scanning

# Apache .htaccess configuration to prevent PHP execution in uploads
# Add this to wp-content/uploads/.htaccess
<Files "*.php">
    Order Deny,Allow
    Deny from all
</Files>

# Alternative for Apache 2.4+
<FilesMatch "\.php$">
    Require all denied
</FilesMatch>