Résumé exécutif

A Local File Inclusion (LFI) issue has been reported in the Porto Theme’s functionality plugin and catalogued as CVE-2024-3809. The flaw permits attacker-controlled input to influence file resolution, which in turn can disclose local filesystem data under certain configurations. According to the CVE record, the overall urgency is low, but exposure depends on plugin configuration and hosting environment.

Composants affectés

• Porto Theme – Functionality Plugin (specific vulnerable versions referenced in CVE advisory)
• WordPress instances running the affected plugin with default or permissive file access settings
• Servers where PHP file inclusion and directory permissions allow read access to sensitive files

Analyse technique (niveau élevé)

LFI vulnerabilities occur when an application uses user-supplied input to construct a file path for inclusion, without proper validation or normalization. In this case, certain parameters in the plugin can be influenced by external requests and are used to resolve file paths. If the plugin does not canonicalize the path or restrict allowed locations, an attacker may supply values that reference files outside the intended directory (for example via path traversal sequences).

The risk is primarily information disclosure — reading configuration files, source code, or other local artifacts. Remote code execution is not automatically implied by LFI alone unless additional factors exist (e.g., upload functionality that results in executable code or the presence of wrapper protocols that allow remote code interpretation).

Exploitation scenario (conceptual)

An attacker crafts requests that manipulate the plugin parameter(s) to point to arbitrary local files. Successful exploitation results in the plugin returning the contents of the targeted file to the attacker. The likelihood and impact vary by server configuration:

• Low impact on systems with strict file permissions and minimal sensitive data under web-accessible directories.
• Higher impact when configuration files (e.g., wp-config.php), credential stores, or other secrets are readable by the web server.
• In specific environments, LFI could be chained with other weaknesses to escalate to code execution, but that requires favourable additional conditions.

Détection et indicateurs

Common signs that an instance may be targeted or affected:

• Unexpected responses containing partial or full contents of local files (configuration files, logs, known code snippets).
• Unusual request patterns to plugin endpoints, including attempts using dot-dot sequences (../) or encoded equivalents.
• Increased error logs referencing file resolution failures or warnings about include/require operations.

Operators should review web server and application logs for anomalous requests to plugin endpoints. Sampling recent requests and looking for path traversal patterns is an effective first step.

Atténuation et durcissement (étapes pratiques)

The following measures reduce exposure. They are platform-agnostic and do not require third-party security products.

• Mise à jour : Apply the official plugin update or patch provided by the theme/vendor when available. Keeping plugins up to date is the primary defence against known CVEs.
• Validation des entrées : Ensure user-supplied file path parameters are validated against an allow-list of known safe values. Disallow path traversal sequences and normalize input paths before use.
• Moindre privilège : Run PHP and the web server with the minimum filesystem permissions necessary. Sensitive files (for example wp-config.php or SSH keys) should not be readable by the web-server user beyond what’s required.
• Configuration hardening: Move sensitive files outside webroot where feasible and disable PHP functions that are unnecessary for operation. Restrict direct file inclusion to a single safe directory.
• Contrôles d'accès : Restrict administrative endpoints by IP, authentication, or other means to reduce attack surface.
• Journalisation et surveillance : Enable detailed logging of web requests and set up alerts for suspicious patterns such as path traversal attempts.

Liste de contrôle de réponse aux incidents

1. Confirm plugin version and whether the instance is affected.
2. If affected, apply the vendor-released patch immediately or remove/disable the plugin until patched.
3. Collect logs and evidence: web server logs, plugin logs, and any files disclosed during the incident.
4. Rotate secrets that may have been exposed (database credentials, API keys) and review access tokens.
5. Re-audit filesystem and permissions to ensure no backdoors or unauthorized artifacts remain.

Guidance for developers

Developers maintaining theme and plugin code should adopt these secure coding practices:

• Never use unsanitized user input directly in file include operations.
• Implement canonicalization and allow-listing for any file paths derived from user input.
• Prefer mapping user-visible identifiers to internal file paths rather than exposing filesystem structure in parameters.
• Perform code reviews and static analysis focusing on file and path handling.

Évaluation de l'impact

Based on available information and the CVE classification, this issue is categorised as low urgency. That assessment reflects typical deployment scenarios and the requirement for additional favourable conditions for severe outcomes. Nonetheless, any vulnerability that exposes local files should be treated seriously, because disclosure of credentials or configuration details can materially increase downstream risk.

Références

• CVE-2024-3809 — CVE record
• General LFI mitigation guidance — OWASP and standard secure coding references (consult appropriate OWASP materials for deeper technical guidance).