CVE-2024-2006 in Post Grid, Slider & Carousel Ultimate Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/13/2024
The Post Grid, Slider & Carousel Ultimate – with Shortcode, Gutenberg Block & Elementor Widget plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 1.6.7 via deserialization of untrusted input in the outpost_shortcode_metabox_markup function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it could allow the attacker to delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2006 affects the Post Grid Slider & Carousel Ultimate WordPress plugin, a popular tool for creating responsive content layouts with shortcode, gutenberg block, and elementor widget functionality. This security flaw exists in all versions up to and including 1.6.7, representing a critical risk to WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the plugin's codebase, specifically in the outpost_shortcode_metabox_markup function where untrusted user input undergoes deserialization without adequate security measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through PHP Object Injection, a well-documented security weakness classified under CWE-502 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system. This particular flaw allows authenticated attackers who possess contributor-level privileges or higher to manipulate the plugin's behavior by injecting malicious PHP objects through the deserialization process. When the plugin processes user input containing serialized objects, it inadvertently executes the malicious code contained within these objects, creating a dangerous attack vector that bypasses normal security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a pathway for attackers to perform destructive actions on compromised WordPress installations. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution becomes particularly concerning when combined with existing POP (PHP Object Pollution) chains that may be present in other installed plugins or themes. This combination creates a scenario where attackers can leverage the vulnerability to delete arbitrary files from the server, extract sensitive data from the WordPress installation, or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server. Such capabilities align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use PHP to execute malicious code on compromised systems.
The threat landscape for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that contributor-level access is sufficient to exploit the flaw, meaning that attackers who gain access to any user account with this privilege level can immediately begin exploiting the system. This represents a significant risk to WordPress installations where user management is not properly enforced, as a compromised contributor account could immediately lead to full system compromise. Security professionals should consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring for unusual administrative activities, particularly around shortcode and widget modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular plugin updates and proper input validation practices in WordPress environments, as the issue stems from inadequate sanitization of user-provided data that should never be directly processed without proper security checks. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected installations and implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts that might involve the manipulation of serialized PHP objects within the plugin's functionality.