CVE-2024-49328 in WP REST API FNS Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2024
Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerability in vivek2tamrakar WP REST API FNS rest-api-fns allows Authentication Bypass.This issue affects WP REST API FNS: from n/a through <= 1.0.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49328 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the WP REST API FNS plugin version 1.0.0 and earlier. This issue resides in the WordPress ecosystem where the plugin fails to properly validate authentication mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized access through alternative routes. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's REST API endpoints that should require proper authentication but can be accessed without valid credentials, effectively undermining the security controls that protect sensitive data and functionality.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from insufficient input validation and authentication checks within the plugin's API handling code. The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit alternate paths or channels that bypass the standard authentication flow, enabling them to perform actions that should be restricted to authenticated users. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-287 which defines improper authentication as a critical weakness in software systems. The flaw creates a condition where the plugin does not adequately verify user credentials before granting access to protected resources, making it possible for malicious actors to manipulate API requests and gain unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely, potentially allowing them to access sensitive administrative functions, modify content, delete data, or perform other malicious activities. The affected plugin version range indicates that all installations from the initial release through version 1.0.0 are vulnerable, meaning that a significant number of WordPress sites using this plugin could be compromised. This authentication bypass creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise, as the vulnerability does not require complex exploitation techniques but rather relies on the fundamental failure of authentication controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the WP REST API FNS plugin to the latest version that contains the authentication fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as firewall rules to restrict access to REST API endpoints, particularly those that handle administrative functions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual API access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of additional authentication layers such as API keys or OAuth tokens can provide defense-in-depth measures. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting, making it critical to implement comprehensive monitoring and access control measures to prevent unauthorized exploitation.