CVE-2024-5709: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in wpbakery WPBakery Page Builder
The WPBakery Visual Composer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 7.7 via the 'layout_name' parameter. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, and with post permissions granted by an Administrator, to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-5709 is a Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the WPBakery Page Builder WordPress plugin, present in all versions up to 7.7. The flaw exists in the handling of the 'layout_name' parameter, which does not properly restrict pathname traversal. Authenticated attackers with Author-level permissions and post rights can exploit this to include arbitrary files, including those containing PHP code, leading to remote code execution, data disclosure, and access control bypass. The vulnerability is identified as CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory).
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers with Author-level access and appropriate post permissions to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. This can lead to full compromise of the affected WordPress site, including bypassing access controls and disclosure of sensitive information. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict Author-level user permissions and review post permission assignments carefully to limit exposure. Monitor for updates from WPBakery regarding patches addressing this vulnerability.
CVE-2024-5709: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in wpbakery WPBakery Page Builder
Description
The WPBakery Visual Composer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 7.7 via the 'layout_name' parameter. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, and with post permissions granted by an Administrator, to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-5709 is a Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the WPBakery Page Builder WordPress plugin, present in all versions up to 7.7. The flaw exists in the handling of the 'layout_name' parameter, which does not properly restrict pathname traversal. Authenticated attackers with Author-level permissions and post rights can exploit this to include arbitrary files, including those containing PHP code, leading to remote code execution, data disclosure, and access control bypass. The vulnerability is identified as CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory).
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers with Author-level access and appropriate post permissions to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. This can lead to full compromise of the affected WordPress site, including bypassing access controls and disclosure of sensitive information. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict Author-level user permissions and review post permission assignments carefully to limit exposure. Monitor for updates from WPBakery regarding patches addressing this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2024-06-06T18:15:24.444Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 699f6bf0b7ef31ef0b55ccfa
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:38:56 PM
Last enriched: 4/9/2026, 2:48:40 PM
Last updated: 4/12/2026, 2:04:40 AM
Views: 7
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