CVE-2024-3022 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type) affecting the BookingPress – Appointment Booking Calendar Plugin and Online Scheduling Plugin for WordPress. The root cause is insufficient validation of filenames in the 'bookingpress_process_upload' function, allowing an authenticated attacker with administrator privileges to upload arbitrary files to the server. Since the plugin does not properly restrict or sanitize uploaded file types or names, malicious files such as web shells or scripts can be placed on the server. This leads to remote code execution (RCE), enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands, potentially taking full control of the affected WordPress site and underlying server. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.0.87. Exploitation requires administrator-level access, which limits the attack surface to compromised or malicious insiders or attackers who have already escalated privileges. No user interaction is needed once the attacker has the required privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.2, indicating high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for full server compromise and data breach. The vulnerability was published on April 4, 2024, and no official patches or updates are currently linked, so mitigation relies on access control and monitoring until a patch is released.

The impact of CVE-2024-3022 is substantial for organizations using the BookingPress plugin on WordPress sites. Successful exploitation allows attackers with administrator privileges to upload arbitrary files, including malicious scripts or web shells, enabling remote code execution. This can lead to full compromise of the web server, unauthorized data access, data modification or deletion, and disruption of services. The confidentiality of sensitive customer and business data is at risk, as is the integrity of the website content and availability of the service. Attackers could use the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network or to launch attacks against other targets. Given the widespread use of WordPress and the popularity of appointment booking plugins among small and medium businesses, healthcare providers, and service industries, the threat has broad implications. The requirement for administrator privileges reduces the likelihood of remote exploitation by external attackers without prior access but raises concerns about insider threats or attackers who have already breached lower privilege accounts. Organizations failing to address this vulnerability risk reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and operational disruption.

To mitigate CVE-2024-3022, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Immediately restrict administrator-level access to trusted personnel only and review existing admin accounts for suspicious activity. 2) Monitor file upload directories and server logs for unusual or unauthorized file uploads, especially executable scripts or files with suspicious extensions. 3) Employ web application firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect and block malicious file uploads targeting the BookingPress plugin. 4) Disable or limit file upload functionality within the plugin if feasible until a patch is available. 5) Regularly audit and harden WordPress installations, including plugins and themes, to minimize attack surface. 6) Apply principle of least privilege to WordPress roles, ensuring users have only the permissions necessary for their tasks. 7) Backup website data and server configurations regularly to enable recovery in case of compromise. 8) Stay informed about vendor updates and apply official patches promptly once released. 9) Consider isolating WordPress hosting environments to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and proactive restrictions specific to this vulnerability's exploitation vector.