CVE-2024-1178 in SportsPress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/05/2024
The SportsPress – Sports Club & League Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the settings_save() function in all versions up to, and including, 2.7.17. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to update the permalink structure for the clubs
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2026
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2024-1178 affects the SportsPress plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 2.7.17. This issue represents a critical authorization flaw that undermines the security posture of WordPress installations relying on this sports management plugin. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental missing capability check within the plugin's settings_save() function, which operates without proper authentication verification. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the system and modify core configuration parameters, particularly affecting the permalink structure for clubs within the sports management framework. The absence of proper access controls creates an attack vector that bypasses standard WordPress security mechanisms designed to protect administrative functions from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the settings_save() function where the plugin fails to validate user permissions before executing data modification operations. This missing capability check represents a classic security misconfiguration that aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control vulnerabilities. When an attacker accesses the plugin's settings endpoint without authentication, the system processes the request and updates the permalink structure for clubs, effectively allowing arbitrary modifications to the website's URL routing configuration. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which involves valid accounts used for persistence, though in this case the vulnerability allows unauthorized modification without requiring legitimate credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification, as it enables attackers to manipulate the permalink structure for clubs, potentially affecting website navigation, SEO rankings, and overall user experience. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to redirect traffic, insert malicious links, or alter the way club information is accessed within the WordPress environment. The consequences may include disruption of legitimate website functionality, potential data integrity issues, and the possibility of chaining this vulnerability with other exploits to achieve more severe outcomes. Organizations using affected versions of the SportsPress plugin face significant risk of unauthorized modifications to their sports club and league management data, potentially compromising the integrity of their entire sports website infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-1178 require immediate action to address the core authorization flaw. The most effective solution involves updating to the latest version of the SportsPress plugin where the missing capability check has been implemented. Administrators should also review and restrict access to plugin settings through additional security measures such as implementing web application firewalls, restricting administrative access to specific IP addresses, and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to permalink structures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper capability checks in WordPress plugin development and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when authentication mechanisms are inadequately implemented. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify similar authorization flaws in other plugins and ensure comprehensive protection against unauthorized data modification attacks.