External risk intelligence

Subscriber Arbitrary File Upload in Grip Theme

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.9)

CVE-2024-52488

A critical arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the Grip WordPress theme enables unauthenticated users to upload and potentially execute files. This could lead to arbitrary code execution and system compromise if the theme is used and reachable.

Unrestricted File Upload

Halo Surface Signal

Likely · external exposure

4Halo Surface Signal

The vulnerability affects a WordPress theme, which is a component of web applications commonly deployed as public-facing websites. As these are designed to be accessed via the internet to serve content or interact with users, the attack surface is considered likely to be internet-exposed.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A critical vulnerability exists in a widely used WordPress theme that could allow unauthorized users to upload arbitrary files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This exposure means an attacker could gain control of systems if the affected theme is in use.

  • Allows unauthorized file uploads.
  • Critical flaw impacts public-facing websites.
  • Confirm if our sites use this theme.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by uploading a file to the Grip theme's WordPress application. This access is possible because the vulnerability is in a theme that is publicly accessible on the internet. Once a file is uploaded, the attacker could achieve arbitrary code execution on the server.

  • Entry: Publicly accessible web application.
  • Trigger: Uploading a crafted file.
  • Risk: Arbitrary code execution and data compromise.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated attacker to upload arbitrary files to the system when supported by the advisory. This could affect the integrity and availability of the affected system by potentially leading to code execution or denial of service.

  • Arbitrary file upload.
  • Uploaded files could be executed.
  • System compromise or denial of service.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in the Grip WordPress theme requires immediate attention from teams responsible for web application security and platform stability. The first step is to identify all instances of the affected theme, determine their internet accessibility and business criticality, and pinpoint the accountable owner for each instance. Subsequently, a risk-based remediation plan can be developed, prioritizing critical and exposed assets.

  • Application owners and security teams own this issue.
  • Verify all Grip theme installations and exposure.
  • Plan remediation based on identified risk.

Supplementary metadata

PCI scan relevance

Yes

CVE-2024-52488 — Halo PCI Relevance: Yes. Under typical PCI ASV external scan criteria, this issue may be flagged for scan prioritization.

This arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the Grip theme allows for remote code execution, which is an automatic PCI scan failure.

Scan-prioritization guidance only—not a PCI DSS certification or ASV attestation.

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Grip software?

Grip is a theme designed for WordPress, the popular content management system. Themes in WordPress control the visual appearance and layout of a website. Because themes often include custom functionality to manage site features, they can become a focal point for security when they interact with file uploads or server-side processing.

What does CVE-2024-52488 mean?

This CVE describes an 'Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type' (CWE-434). In simple terms, the theme fails to properly verify the types of files users submit. Because the software does not restrict these uploads, a malicious user could upload executable scripts to the web server, which may then be run to perform unauthorized actions.

How is this file upload vulnerability triggered?

An attacker triggers this by interacting with the WordPress application's upload functionality while using the vulnerable theme. The flaw does not require physical access to the server, nor does it necessarily require administrative credentials; however, simply browsing the site normally does not trigger the vulnerability. It requires the deliberate submission of a specifically crafted file that the system incorrectly accepts.

Is my website at risk from this vulnerability?

If you use the Grip theme, Halo Surface Signal notes that this is likely internet-exposed. Since WordPress themes are generally used for public-facing websites accessible from the internet, the application's attack surface is broad. You should consider any instance of this theme accessible to the public as a potential entry point for this type of compromise.

Do I need to check my WordPress installations?

Yes. Start by creating an inventory of all web applications to see if they use the Grip theme. Once you have identified where the theme is installed, determine if those specific sites are reachable from the internet. Prioritize updating or replacing the theme on any sites that are publicly accessible and handle sensitive data or core business functions.

References

Sources and related resources

Primary sources: NVD, CVE.org.

NVDPublished