CVE-2024-11289 is a Local File Inclusion vulnerability classified under CWE-98, affecting the Soledad WordPress theme developed by pencidesign. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 8.5.9 and is triggered via multiple AJAX functions such as penci_archive_more_post_ajax_func, penci_more_post_ajax_func, and penci_more_featured_post_ajax_func. These functions improperly sanitize or validate user-supplied input used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an unauthenticated attacker to specify arbitrary file paths. On Windows servers, this flaw can be exploited to include and execute arbitrary PHP files, leading to remote code execution (RCE). The attacker can upload malicious PHP files through other means and then leverage this vulnerability to execute them, bypassing access controls and potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The vulnerability is network exploitable without authentication or user interaction, but the attack complexity is rated high due to the need for a Windows environment and file upload capability. No patches or official fixes have been linked yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.1, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector and no privileges required.

The impact of CVE-2024-11289 is severe for organizations running WordPress sites with the Soledad theme on Windows servers. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code, which can lead to full system compromise. This includes bypassing authentication, stealing sensitive data such as credentials or customer information, defacing websites, deploying malware or ransomware, and disrupting service availability. Since WordPress powers a significant portion of websites globally, and Soledad is a popular premium theme, the vulnerability poses a substantial risk to businesses, e-commerce platforms, and content providers. The limitation to Windows servers reduces the overall attack surface but still affects many hosting environments, especially shared or managed Windows hosting. The lack of authentication requirement and remote exploitability increase the threat level. Organizations may face reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and operational downtime if exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2024-11289, organizations should immediately update the Soledad theme to a patched version once released by pencidesign. Until a patch is available, administrators should consider the following specific actions: 1) Restrict or disable the vulnerable AJAX functions by modifying theme code or using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block requests targeting these functions. 2) Harden file upload mechanisms to prevent uploading PHP files or restrict upload directories from executing PHP code, especially on Windows servers. 3) Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied parameters related to file inclusion. 4) Use security plugins that detect and block LFI attempts. 5) Monitor web server logs for suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable functions. 6) If possible, migrate hosting to Linux-based environments where this vulnerability is not exploitable. 7) Employ principle of least privilege on web server file permissions to limit damage if exploitation occurs. 8) Regularly back up website data and configurations to enable quick recovery. These targeted mitigations go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific vulnerable functions and environment constraints.