CVE-2024-0368 in Hustle Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/13/2024
The Hustle – Email Marketing, Lead Generation, Optins, Popups plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 7.8.3 via hardcoded API Keys. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to extract sensitive data including PII.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2026
The CVE-2024-0368 vulnerability affects the Hustle WordPress plugin, specifically targeting versions up to and including 7.8.3. This security flaw represents a critical exposure of sensitive information through hardcoded API keys within the plugin's codebase. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to extract confidential data including personally identifiable information, making it a significant concern for WordPress site administrators and users who rely on this plugin for email marketing and lead generation services.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of API credentials within the plugin's source code. When developers embed API keys directly into the plugin files rather than utilizing secure configuration management practices, they create persistent exposure points that remain accessible to anyone who can access the plugin's files or can exploit the plugin's functionality. This approach violates fundamental security principles and creates a permanent backdoor for attackers to gain access to sensitive data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software, and represents a classic example of insecure credential storage practices that have been consistently identified as high-risk security flaws in numerous security assessments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage for affected organizations. When PII is exposed through hardcoded API keys, organizations face potential violations of data protection regulations such as gdpr, ccpa, and other privacy legislation that mandate the secure handling of personal information. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that no user credentials or privileged access is required to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the target website. Attackers can leverage this exposure to gain access to customer email addresses, contact information, and other personally identifiable data that may have been collected through the plugin's lead generation and opt-in functionalities, potentially enabling further attacks such as social engineering campaigns or identity theft.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected WordPress administrators to ensure the security of their sites and user data. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the latest version of the Hustle plugin where the hardcoded API keys have been removed or properly secured. Additionally, administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any other instances of hardcoded credentials that may exist within themes, plugins, or custom code implementations. The remediation process should include implementing proper credential management practices such as using environment variables, secure configuration files, or dedicated credential management systems rather than embedding sensitive information directly into source code. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts of similar vulnerabilities, aligning with the defensive techniques outlined in the attack mitigation framework. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to prevent the recurrence of such vulnerabilities in future development cycles, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices for secure software development.