CVE-2024-12209 is a critical security vulnerability classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement) found in the WP Umbrella: Update Backup Restore & Monitoring plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 2.17.0 and is triggered via the 'filename' parameter in the 'umbrella-restore' action. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to perform Local File Inclusion (LFI), enabling them to include arbitrary files from the server filesystem. Because the plugin does not properly sanitize or validate the 'filename' parameter, attackers can inject PHP code through files that are normally considered safe, such as images or other uploadable content, and execute this code on the server. This leads to remote code execution (RCE), allowing attackers to bypass access controls, read sensitive files, or fully compromise the affected server. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without any authentication or user interaction, making it highly dangerous. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the critical nature of this vulnerability, with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the ease of exploitation and the widespread use of WordPress and this plugin make it a significant threat. The vulnerability highlights the risks associated with improper input validation in PHP include/require statements, a common attack vector in web applications.

The impact of CVE-2024-12209 is severe for organizations running WordPress sites with the vulnerable WP Umbrella plugin. Successful exploitation can lead to full remote code execution on the web server, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code. This can result in complete server compromise, data theft, defacement, installation of backdoors, or pivoting to internal networks. Confidential information such as database credentials, user data, and configuration files can be exposed. The integrity of the website and its data can be destroyed or manipulated, and availability can be disrupted by deleting files or launching denial-of-service conditions. Because the vulnerability requires no authentication and no user interaction, automated attacks and worm-like propagation are possible, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation. Organizations relying on this plugin for backup and monitoring functions face operational disruptions and reputational damage if exploited. The threat is particularly critical for businesses with sensitive customer data, e-commerce platforms, and high-traffic websites.

To mitigate CVE-2024-12209, organizations should immediately update the WP Umbrella: Update Backup Restore & Monitoring plugin to a patched version once available. Until an official patch is released, consider disabling or uninstalling the plugin to eliminate the attack surface. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing suspicious 'filename' parameters or attempts to access the 'umbrella-restore' action. Restrict file upload types and enforce strict validation on all user-supplied input, especially parameters used in include/require statements. Employ least privilege principles on the web server to limit the impact of potential code execution. Monitor server logs for unusual file inclusion attempts or unexpected PHP execution. Regularly back up website data and configurations offline to enable recovery in case of compromise. Additionally, conduct thorough security audits of all plugins and themes to identify similar vulnerabilities and reduce overall risk.