CVE-2024-52499 is a vulnerability classified as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP, commonly known as a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability. It affects the Ibrahim Pricing Table addon for Elementor, a WordPress page builder plugin. The vulnerability exists because the addon does not properly validate or sanitize the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the filename parameter to include arbitrary files from remote or local sources. Remote File Inclusion vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can lead to remote code execution on the server, allowing attackers to run malicious PHP code, potentially taking full control of the affected website and underlying server. The affected versions include all versions up to and including 1.0.0, with no patch currently available as per the provided data. Although no known exploits are publicly reported, the vulnerability is published and thus known to attackers. The vulnerability is especially critical in web environments where the addon is installed, as it can be exploited without authentication or user interaction, making automated attacks feasible. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an expert severity assessment based on the technical details and potential impact.

The impact of CVE-2024-52499 is significant for organizations using the Ibrahim Pricing Table addon for Elementor. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the web server. This can result in full site compromise, data theft, defacement, or the deployment of malware such as web shells or ransomware. The vulnerability threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Since the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, it increases the attack surface and risk of automated exploitation by threat actors. Organizations relying on WordPress websites with this addon, especially those handling sensitive customer data or critical business functions, face severe operational and reputational risks. Additionally, compromised sites can be used as launchpads for further attacks, including lateral movement within corporate networks or distribution of malicious content to visitors.

To mitigate CVE-2024-52499, organizations should immediately assess their use of the Ibrahim Pricing Table addon for Elementor and disable or remove the addon if patching is not yet available. Since no patch links are provided, users should monitor the vendor’s official channels for updates. In the interim, implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion, such as those containing unexpected URL parameters or file paths. Restrict PHP include paths and disable allow_url_include in PHP configurations to prevent remote file inclusion. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on any user-supplied parameters related to file inclusion. Regularly audit web server logs for anomalous activity indicative of exploitation attempts. Consider isolating WordPress environments and limiting permissions to reduce the impact of a potential compromise. Finally, educate development and security teams about secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.