CVE-2024-3500 is a Local File Inclusion vulnerability identified in the ElementsKit Pro plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 3.6.0. The flaw exists in the Price Menu, Hotspot, and Advanced Toggle widgets, where insufficient validation and control over filenames used in PHP include or require statements allow an authenticated attacker with contributor-level privileges or higher to include arbitrary files from the server. This improper control of filenames (CWE-98) enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by uploading files disguised as safe types such as images, which the plugin then includes and executes. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication, making it easier to exploit in environments where contributor access is granted. Successful exploitation can lead to full remote code execution, bypassing access controls, and exposing sensitive data. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and privileges required but no user interaction. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to WordPress sites using this plugin. The lack of an official patch link suggests that users must monitor vendor updates closely or apply temporary mitigations.

The impact of CVE-2024-3500 is substantial for organizations running WordPress sites with the ElementsKit Pro plugin. An attacker with contributor-level access can execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially leading to full site compromise, data theft, defacement, or use of the server as a pivot point for further attacks. Confidentiality is at risk due to unauthorized data access, integrity is compromised through code execution and possible site modifications, and availability may be affected if attackers disrupt services or deploy ransomware. Since contributor-level access is often granted to trusted users or third-party content creators, the attack surface is broader than administrator-only vulnerabilities. This vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against organizations relying on WordPress for critical web presence, e-commerce, or content management, especially if access controls are lax or user accounts are compromised. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not diminish the urgency of remediation given the ease of exploitation and high impact.

1. Immediately upgrade ElementsKit Pro to a version that addresses this vulnerability once released by the vendor. 2. Until a patch is available, restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and review user permissions to minimize exposure. 3. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts targeting the affected widgets. 4. Disable or remove the vulnerable widgets (Price Menu, Hotspot, Advanced Toggle) if they are not essential to reduce attack surface. 5. Monitor server and application logs for unusual file inclusion or code execution patterns. 6. Enforce strict file upload validation and sanitization policies to prevent uploading of executable code disguised as safe file types. 7. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on WordPress plugins and user privilege management. 8. Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) to alert on anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 9. Educate site administrators and content contributors about the risks of privilege misuse and phishing attacks that could lead to account compromise.