CVE-2024-54291 Overview
CVE-2024-54291 is a path traversal vulnerability in the labs64 PluginPass pluginpass-pro-plugintheme-licensing WordPress plugin. The flaw affects all versions through 0.9.10 and allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate web input that flows into file system calls. Exploitation can result in arbitrary file download and deletion on the affected WordPress host. The issue is tracked under [CWE-22] and remediated by upgrading beyond version 0.9.10.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can read or delete arbitrary files on the WordPress server, including core files required for site availability, leading to denial of service.
Affected Products
- labs64 PluginPass pluginpass-pro-plugintheme-licensing WordPress plugin
- All versions from initial release through 0.9.10
- WordPress sites running the vulnerable plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-28 - CVE-2024-54291 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-54291
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory in the PluginPass licensing plugin. User-supplied input reaches file system functions without normalization or validation against an allow-list of permitted paths. Attackers can submit traversal sequences such as ../ to escape the intended working directory.
The Patchstack advisory classifies the impact as arbitrary file download and arbitrary file deletion. Deleting files such as wp-config.php forces WordPress into setup mode, which an attacker can then leverage to take over the site. The attack requires no authentication and no user interaction.
Root Cause
The plugin accepts a file path or file name parameter through an HTTP endpoint and passes the value into file read and unlink operations without sanitization. There is no check that the resolved path resides inside the plugin's expected directory, and no nonce or capability check restricts the action to authorized users.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network against any reachable WordPress instance running the vulnerable plugin. An attacker crafts an HTTP request to the vulnerable plugin endpoint and supplies a manipulated path parameter containing directory traversal sequences. The web server, running as the WordPress process user, performs the file operation against the resolved path. No verified public exploit or proof-of-concept is currently listed for this CVE.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-54291
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to PluginPass plugin endpoints containing ../, ..%2f, or URL-encoded traversal sequences in query parameters or POST bodies
- Unexpected deletion or modification timestamps on wp-config.php, .htaccess, or files under wp-content/
- WordPress entering installation mode unexpectedly, indicating wp-config.php removal
- Web server access logs showing requests to plugin AJAX or admin-ajax handlers from unauthenticated sources
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web access logs for requests targeting /wp-content/plugins/pluginpass-pro-plugintheme-licensing/ with traversal patterns in parameters
- Deploy a web application firewall rule matching path traversal payloads against WordPress plugin endpoints
- Monitor file integrity on WordPress core files, plugin directories, and uploads for unexpected deletions
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on any successful HTTP 200 response to plugin endpoints when the request contains encoded or raw traversal sequences
- Track unlink and read syscalls from the PHP process against paths outside the WordPress document root
- Forward web server, PHP error, and file integrity logs to a centralized analytics platform for correlation
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-54291
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running the PluginPass pluginpass-pro-plugintheme-licensing plugin at version 0.9.10 or earlier
- Deactivate and remove the plugin if a fixed version is not yet available for your installation
- Restrict access to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php and plugin endpoints using a WAF or IP allow-list while patching is pending
- Audit wp-config.php, plugin directories, and uploads for evidence of deletion or unauthorized read access
Patch Information
Review the Patchstack Vulnerability Advisory for vendor remediation status. Upgrade the plugin to any release later than 0.9.10 once available from the vendor. Apply WordPress core and other plugin updates concurrently to reduce overall attack surface.
Workarounds
- Disable the PluginPass plugin until a fixed release is installed
- Deploy WAF rules blocking traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, and ..%5c in requests to plugin URLs
- Enforce least privilege on the web server process so PHP cannot read or unlink files outside the WordPress root
- Maintain offline backups of wp-config.php and the database to enable rapid recovery from file deletion
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
