CVE-2024-13418 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the G5Theme Benaa Framework used in multiple WordPress plugins and themes. The core issue stems from an unrestricted file upload vulnerability (CWE-434) in the ajaxUploadFonts() function. This function lacks proper capability checks, allowing authenticated users with as low as Subscriber-level privileges to upload arbitrary files. Because the vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication and can be exploited remotely over the network, it presents a significant risk. Uploaded files can include malicious payloads that enable remote code execution (RCE), potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server. The vulnerability affects all versions of the Benaa Framework, and although a partial patch has been issued, the issue remains exploitable. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and no user interaction required. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise WordPress sites leveraging this framework. Given WordPress’s widespread use and the popularity of G5Theme products on marketplaces like Envato, the vulnerability poses a broad risk to websites using these themes and plugins.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be severe. Many businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions in Europe rely on WordPress for their web presence, including e-commerce, content management, and customer engagement. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement of websites, disruption of services, and use of compromised servers as pivot points for further attacks within internal networks. The ability for low-privilege authenticated users to escalate to remote code execution means insider threats or compromised low-level accounts could cause disproportionate damage. Additionally, the persistence of the vulnerability despite partial patches increases the risk of exploitation over time. Organizations handling personal data under GDPR must also consider the regulatory implications of breaches resulting from this vulnerability, including potential fines and reputational damage.

1. Immediate comprehensive patching: Organizations should verify whether their WordPress installations use the G5Theme Benaa Framework or related plugins/themes and apply any available full patches or updates from the vendor or marketplace. Since partial patches exist, confirm that the latest fixes fully address the ajaxUploadFonts() capability checks. 2. Restrict user roles: Limit Subscriber-level and other low-privilege accounts from accessing functionalities that allow file uploads or ajaxUploadFonts() calls, possibly via custom role hardening or plugin-based restrictions. 3. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAF): Deploy WAF rules that detect and block suspicious file upload attempts targeting ajaxUploadFonts() endpoints, including filtering file types and request patterns. 4. Monitor logs and file systems: Set up monitoring to detect unusual file uploads, especially executable or script files in upload directories, and audit user activities related to file uploads. 5. Harden server configurations: Disable execution permissions on upload directories to prevent execution of uploaded malicious files, and use security modules like mod_security or equivalent. 6. Conduct regular security assessments: Perform vulnerability scans and penetration tests focusing on WordPress plugins and themes to identify similar weaknesses. 7. Educate users: Train site administrators and users on the risks of privilege escalation and the importance of strong authentication and role management.