CVE-2024-2298 in affiliate-toolkit Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/08/2024
The affiliate-toolkit – WordPress Affiliate Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access due to a missing capability check on the atkp_import_product() function in all versions up to, and including, 3.5.4. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to to perform unauthorized actions such as creating importing products.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2026
The CVE-2024-2298 vulnerability affects the affiliate-toolkit WordPress plugin, specifically targeting versions up to and including 3.5.4. This represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of WordPress sites relying on this plugin. The vulnerability stems from a missing capability check within the atkp_import_product() function, which is designed to handle product import operations. The flaw allows authenticated users with subscriber-level privileges or higher to bypass intended authorization controls and execute unauthorized product import actions. This misconfiguration creates a privilege escalation vector that directly violates the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear failure in the plugin's capability validation mechanism. When the atkp_import_product() function is invoked, it fails to verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges required to perform product import operations. This missing authorization check creates a pathway for malicious actors who have gained subscriber-level access to escalate their privileges within the plugin's functionality. The vulnerability exists because the plugin does not properly implement WordPress's built-in capability system, which should ensure that only users with appropriate permissions can access sensitive administrative functions. This flaw aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control due to missing or insufficient authorization checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating potential risks for WordPress site administrators and their users. An attacker with subscriber-level access can import products without proper authorization, potentially leading to data manipulation, content injection, or even the introduction of malicious products into the site's product catalog. This capability could enable attackers to disrupt normal business operations, compromise product integrity, or create confusion among customers. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk for sites that rely on the plugin for affiliate marketing operations, as unauthorized product imports could affect affiliate commission calculations and marketing campaign integrity. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a low-effort means of gaining expanded privileges within the plugin's administrative scope, making it particularly attractive for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the missing capability check. Site administrators must ensure that all instances of the affiliate-toolkit plugin are updated to the latest secure version that implements proper authorization controls. In the interim, administrators should consider implementing additional security measures such as restricting user roles and capabilities, monitoring plugin access logs for unusual activity, and reviewing existing user permissions to minimize the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing for WordPress plugins, particularly those handling sensitive operations like product imports. Organizations should implement regular security audits of their WordPress installations and ensure that all plugins are from trusted sources and maintained with current security updates. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of capability checks in web applications and the potential consequences when such controls are omitted from security-sensitive functions.