CVE-2024-12583 is a critical security vulnerability identified in the alexacrm Dynamics 365 Integration plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 1.3.23. The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in the Twig template engine, specifically due to missing input validation and sanitization in the render function. This flaw enables Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI), allowing authenticated attackers with Contributor-level or higher privileges to inject malicious template code. Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to Remote Code Execution (RCE) on the hosting server and Arbitrary File Read, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only low-level authenticated access, no user interaction, and can be executed remotely over the network. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.9 reflects the critical nature of this vulnerability, with attack vector being network-based, low attack complexity, privileges required at a low level, and no user interaction needed. The scope is changed, indicating that the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the severity and ease of exploitation make it a high-priority issue for organizations using this plugin. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-1336, which relates to improper neutralization of special elements in template engines, a common cause of SSTI vulnerabilities.

The impact of CVE-2024-12583 is severe for organizations using the alexacrm Dynamics 365 Integration plugin on WordPress sites. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or destruction. Arbitrary file read capabilities can expose sensitive configuration files, credentials, or other critical data. Given that the vulnerability requires only Contributor-level access, attackers can leverage compromised or weak user accounts to escalate privileges and execute attacks. This can result in unauthorized access to customer data, disruption of business operations, and damage to organizational reputation. Additionally, since WordPress is widely used globally and Dynamics 365 is a popular enterprise CRM solution, the scope of affected organizations spans multiple industries including finance, healthcare, retail, and government. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks, increasing the risk of broader compromise. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure further exacerbates the risk, necessitating immediate mitigation efforts.

To mitigate CVE-2024-12583, organizations should immediately upgrade the alexacrm Dynamics 365 Integration plugin to a patched version once available. Until a patch is released, implement strict access controls to limit Contributor-level and higher privileges only to trusted users. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious template injection patterns targeting the plugin. Conduct thorough audits of user accounts and remove or restrict unnecessary contributor or higher-level accounts. Monitor server logs for unusual template rendering activities or unexpected file access attempts. Consider isolating the WordPress environment hosting the plugin using containerization or network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement. Additionally, implement runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions that can detect and block SSTI exploitation attempts in real time. Regularly back up critical data and test restoration procedures to minimize impact in case of compromise. Finally, educate developers and administrators about secure coding practices related to template engines to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.