CVE-2024-49251 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the Acnoo Maan Addons for Elementor WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions up to 1.0.1. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker to manipulate the file path. This can lead to the inclusion of arbitrary local files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, source code, or other data. In some cases, LFI can be leveraged to achieve remote code execution if the attacker can include files containing malicious code or upload files to the server. The vulnerability does not require authentication, making it accessible to unauthenticated remote attackers. The plugin is an add-on to the popular Elementor page builder for WordPress, which is widely used for website design and functionality enhancements. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly disclosed and has not yet been fully evaluated. No known public exploits have been reported at this time, but the risk remains significant due to the nature of the vulnerability and the popularity of the affected plugin. The vulnerability was published on October 16, 2024, and assigned by Patchstack. No official patch links are currently available, suggesting that users should monitor for updates or apply temporary mitigations.

The impact of CVE-2024-49251 is potentially severe for organizations using the Acnoo Maan Addons for Elementor plugin. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files, including configuration files containing database credentials or other secrets, which can compromise the confidentiality of the system. Furthermore, attackers may achieve remote code execution by including malicious files, leading to full system compromise, data theft, defacement, or use of the server as a pivot point for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of affected systems by enabling attackers to alter or disrupt website functionality. Since the plugin is used in WordPress environments, which are often internet-facing, the attack surface is broad. Organizations relying on this plugin for website functionality are at risk of reputational damage, regulatory non-compliance, and operational disruption if exploited.

1. Monitor for and apply official security patches from Acnoo as soon as they are released to address this vulnerability. 2. In the absence of an official patch, review and harden the plugin code by implementing strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters controlling file inclusion paths, ensuring only allowed files can be included. 3. Disable or uninstall the Maan Addons for Elementor plugin if it is not essential to reduce attack surface. 4. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities. 5. Restrict file permissions on the web server to prevent unauthorized reading of sensitive files. 6. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans on WordPress environments to identify and remediate similar issues. 7. Educate site administrators on the risks of installing unverified third-party plugins and encourage use of plugins from reputable sources with active maintenance.