CVE-2024-23506 in InstaWP Connect Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2024
Insertion of Sensitive Information Into Sent Data vulnerability in InstaWP InstaWP Connect instawp-connect.This issue affects InstaWP Connect: from n/a through <= 0.1.0.9.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2024-23506 represents a critical insertion of sensitive information into sent data flaw within the InstaWP Connect plugin version 0.1.0.9 and earlier. This issue falls under the category of information exposure vulnerabilities that can potentially compromise user data integrity and system security. The vulnerability specifically affects the InstaWP Connect component which is designed to facilitate connections between WordPress installations and various hosting services, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit communication channels between WordPress sites and external services.
The technical flaw manifests when the InstaWP Connect plugin fails to properly sanitize or filter sensitive data before transmitting it through network communications. This allows potentially confidential information such as API keys, authentication tokens, or other credential material to be inadvertently included in data packets sent to remote servers. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's communication protocols, creating an attack surface where malicious actors could intercept and extract sensitive information during the connection establishment process. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-200, which specifically addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a classic case of data leakage through insecure data transmission practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to connected WordPress environments and potentially compromise entire hosting infrastructures. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to capture authentication credentials, access tokens, or other sensitive data that would allow them to impersonate legitimate users or gain administrative control over WordPress installations. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the InstaWP Connect plugin, which is designed to streamline WordPress site management and hosting connections, making it particularly dangerous for users who rely on this tool for their website administration tasks. The attack vector typically involves network traffic interception or man-in-the-middle scenarios where attackers monitor communication between the WordPress site and external services.
Security mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sensitive data transmission flaw, alongside network monitoring to detect any potential data leakage incidents. Organizations should implement strict input validation procedures and ensure that all sensitive data is properly encrypted before transmission. Network administrators should consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual data transmission patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper data sanitization in plugin development, particularly for tools that handle authentication and connection management. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1071.004 for application layer protocol: DNS and T1566 for credential access through network sniffing techniques. Regular security audits of third-party plugins and maintaining updated security practices are essential for preventing exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in WordPress environments.