CVE-2024-4389 is a critical vulnerability identified in the Slider & Popup Builder by Depicter WordPress plugin, which provides features such as image sliders, carousel sliders, exit intent popups, and coupon popups. The vulnerability arises from the plugin's uploadFile function lacking proper file type validation, allowing authenticated users with contributor or higher privileges to upload arbitrary files to the server. This unrestricted file upload (CWE-434) can be leveraged to upload malicious scripts or web shells, potentially enabling remote code execution (RCE) on the hosting server. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 3.1.1. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting a network attack vector with low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the nature of the vulnerability makes it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise WordPress sites, which are widely used across the internet. The flaw allows an attacker to bypass typical file upload restrictions, which normally prevent dangerous file types from being uploaded, thus facilitating the deployment of backdoors or malware. Given WordPress's popularity and the plugin's functionality, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites relying on this plugin for interactive content delivery.

The impact of CVE-2024-4389 is substantial for organizations running WordPress sites with the affected plugin installed. An attacker with contributor-level access can upload arbitrary files, including malicious scripts, leading to remote code execution. This can result in full site compromise, data theft, defacement, or use of the server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems are all at high risk. Organizations may face service disruptions, reputational damage, and regulatory compliance issues if sensitive data is exposed. Since contributor-level access is often granted to trusted users or third-party content creators, the risk of insider threats or compromised credentials increases the likelihood of exploitation. The vulnerability also lowers the barrier for attackers to escalate privileges and gain persistent access to the server environment. Given the widespread use of WordPress globally, the potential attack surface is large, making this a critical concern for web administrators and security teams.

To mitigate CVE-2024-4389, organizations should immediately update the Slider & Popup Builder by Depicter plugin to a patched version once available. Until a patch is released, restrict contributor-level user permissions to the minimum necessary and audit existing users for suspicious accounts. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file upload attempts, especially those targeting the vulnerable plugin endpoints. Employ server-side file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized file uploads or modifications. Disable or limit the ability to upload files through the plugin if possible. Conduct regular security reviews and penetration testing focused on file upload functionalities. Additionally, harden the server environment by disabling execution permissions in upload directories and isolating web application components. Monitor logs for unusual activity related to file uploads and privilege escalations. Educate content contributors about phishing and credential security to reduce the risk of compromised accounts. Finally, maintain regular backups to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise.