CVE-2026-3352 in Easy PHP Settings Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2026
The Easy PHP Settings plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Code Injection in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.4 via the `update_wp_memory_constants()` method. This is due to insufficient input validation on the `wp_memory_limit` and `wp_max_memory_limit` settings before writing them to `wp-config.php`. The `sanitize_text_field()` function used for sanitization does not filter single quotes, allowing an attacker to break out of the string context in a PHP `define()` statement. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the server by modifying `wp-config.php`, which is loaded on every page request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-3352 affects the Easy PHP Settings plugin for WordPress, presenting a critical PHP code injection flaw that has been present in all versions up to and including 1.0.4. This vulnerability resides within the `update_wp_memory_constants()` method, which handles the configuration of memory limits for WordPress installations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied values before they are written to the critical wp-config.php file. The plugin's developers relied on the `sanitize_text_field()` function for sanitization purposes, a function that while effective for basic text sanitization, does not adequately address the specific requirements for PHP code contexts. This particular sanitization function fails to filter single quotes, creating a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the PHP code execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through authenticated administrative access, requiring an attacker to possess Administrator-level privileges or higher within the WordPress environment. Once authenticated, the attacker can modify the `wp_memory_limit` and `wp_max_memory_limit` settings through the plugin's interface, which then get written to the wp-config.php file without proper escaping or validation. The absence of proper quote escaping allows an attacker to break out of the string context within the PHP define() statement, effectively injecting malicious PHP code that gets executed during every page request. This persistent execution model makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it provides an attacker with continuous access to the compromised system without requiring repeated exploitation attempts. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment", as the initial compromise often occurs through administrative credential theft or social engineering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the compromised WordPress installation. The injected PHP code can perform any action available to the web server process, including but not limited to reading and modifying database contents, accessing sensitive files, establishing backdoors, or even creating new administrative accounts. Since wp-config.php is loaded on every page request, the malicious code executes continuously, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing for long-term persistence within the environment. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as administrative access is typically sufficient for an attacker to leverage this flaw. Organizations using vulnerable versions of the Easy PHP Settings plugin face significant risk of complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that even if an initial attack is detected and mitigated, the malicious code continues to execute until the wp-config.php file is manually repaired or the plugin is updated and properly configured.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-3352 should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that properly address the input validation flaw. Organizations must ensure that all WordPress installations are running the latest patched versions of the Easy PHP Settings plugin, with version 1.0.5 or later containing the necessary fixes. Additionally, administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized modifications to wp-config.php files, as any changes to this critical file should be carefully audited. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual patterns in wp-config.php file modifications, and security information and event management systems should be set up to alert on administrative activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be strictly enforced, ensuring that only authorized personnel have administrative access to WordPress installations. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities, and automated patch management systems should be implemented to ensure timely updates. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and file integrity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against similar code injection vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and sanitization in PHP applications, particularly when dealing with configuration files that are executed during every request cycle.