CVE-2024-12563 is a Local File Inclusion vulnerability classified under CWE-98, found in the s2Member Pro plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 250214 and is triggered via the 'template' attribute. An attacker with at least contributor-level permissions can manipulate this attribute to include arbitrary files from the server, leading to execution of any PHP code contained within those files. This improper control of filename inclusion allows attackers to bypass normal access controls, potentially leading to unauthorized data disclosure, privilege escalation, and full remote code execution on the affected server. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require authenticated access, which lowers the barrier compared to administrator-only exploits. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.8 (high), reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using s2Member Pro, especially given the widespread use of WordPress and this plugin in membership and subscription management. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for mitigation.

The exploitation of CVE-2024-12563 can have severe consequences for organizations running WordPress sites with the s2Member Pro plugin. Attackers with contributor-level access can execute arbitrary PHP code, leading to full compromise of the web server environment. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive user data, including membership and subscription information, potential defacement or manipulation of website content, and the deployment of persistent backdoors or malware. The ability to bypass access controls undermines the trust model of the website and can facilitate lateral movement within the hosting environment. For organizations relying on s2Member Pro for critical business functions, this vulnerability could lead to data breaches, service disruption, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties, especially in sectors handling sensitive personal or financial data.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting contributor-level users from uploading or modifying files that could be included via the 'template' attribute. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on the 'template' attribute to prevent inclusion of arbitrary files. 3. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts targeting s2Member Pro. 4. Monitor server logs for unusual file inclusion patterns or unexpected PHP execution originating from contributor-level accounts. 5. Limit the permissions of contributor-level users to the minimum necessary, and audit user roles regularly. 6. If possible, temporarily disable or restrict the s2Member Pro plugin until a vendor patch is released. 7. Maintain regular backups and ensure recovery procedures are tested in case of compromise. 8. Stay updated with vendor advisories and apply official patches as soon as they become available.