CVE-2024-13498 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor) affecting the NEX-Forms – Ultimate Form Builder WordPress plugin developed by webaways. This plugin, widely used for creating contact forms and other form types, suffers from insufficient protections on uploaded files. Specifically, the plugin does not prevent directory listing on the upload directories and fails to randomize uploaded file names, making it possible for unauthenticated attackers to enumerate and retrieve sensitive files uploaded via forms. Since the vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, it can be exploited remotely by simply accessing predictable URLs or directory listings. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.3 (medium), reflecting the ease of access but limited impact to confidentiality only, with no impact on integrity or availability. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 8.8.1. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The root cause lies in insecure handling of file uploads and inadequate web server configuration or plugin safeguards, which allow unauthorized actors to access sensitive user data such as uploaded documents, images, or other files. This exposure can lead to privacy violations and potential data breaches if sensitive information is contained within the uploaded files.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, which can include personal data, confidential documents, or other sensitive files uploaded via forms. Organizations using the vulnerable plugin risk data leakage that could violate privacy regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA, depending on the nature of the data exposed. While the vulnerability does not allow modification or deletion of data, the confidentiality breach alone can damage organizational reputation, result in regulatory fines, and erode customer trust. Since exploitation requires no authentication and no user interaction, attackers can automate scanning and data extraction at scale. This makes websites using this plugin attractive targets for opportunistic attackers and data harvesters. The scope includes any WordPress site using the affected versions of NEX-Forms, which could be significant given the plugin's popularity. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests limited active exploitation currently, but the vulnerability's simplicity means it could be weaponized quickly once widely known.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should first check for and apply any available patches or updates from the vendor once released. In the absence of official patches, immediate steps include disabling directory listing on the web server for upload directories via .htaccess or server configuration to prevent enumeration of files. Implementing randomized or non-predictable file names for uploaded files can reduce the risk of direct URL guessing. Restricting access to upload directories using authentication or IP whitelisting where feasible adds an additional layer of protection. Reviewing and tightening file upload handling logic within the plugin or custom code to validate and sanitize file names and paths is critical. Monitoring web server logs for suspicious access patterns to upload directories can help detect exploitation attempts. Finally, organizations should consider alternative form plugins with stronger security postures if timely patching is not possible.