CVE-2026-73366 in Easy Google Maps Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2026
Unauthenticated PHP Object Injection in Easy Google Maps <= 1.13.0 versions.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as an unauthenticated PHP object injection flaw within the Easy Google Maps plugin, specifically affecting versions up to and including 1.13.0, represents a critical security risk for WordPress-based websites utilizing this extension. This type of vulnerability arises from improper handling of user-supplied input that is directly passed into serialization or deserialization functions without adequate validation or sanitization. In the context of PHP applications, object injection occurs when an attacker can manipulate serialized objects to instantiate arbitrary classes with controlled properties. When such manipulation targets a class whose methods are accessible and potentially dangerous, it allows for remote code execution, data exfiltration, or denial of service conditions. The unauthenticated nature of this flaw means that any individual on the internet, without needing valid credentials or prior access to the WordPress dashboard, can exploit this weakness by crafting specific HTTP requests containing maliciously crafted serialized payloads.
From a technical perspective, PHP object injection vulnerabilities typically stem from the use of functions like unserialize() in conjunction with user-controlled input variables such as those found in GET parameters, POST data, cookies, or headers. In the case of Easy Google Maps versions prior to 1.13.0, specific endpoints likely accepted input that was subsequently processed by a deserialization routine. Because PHP allows for polymorphism and magic methods like __wakeup(), __destruct(), or __toString() to be triggered automatically during object instantiation, an attacker can leverage these hooks to execute arbitrary code. If the application includes classes with dangerous functions such as exec(), system(), file_get_contents(), or eval() within its scope or in included libraries, the injection payload can trigger these methods indirectly through property manipulation. This bypasses traditional input validation mechanisms because the exploitation relies on the internal logic of existing PHP objects rather than injecting new code directly into a script execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to gain full control over the web server hosting the WordPress instance, effectively compromising the entire application environment. This can lead to complete data breach where sensitive information such as user credentials, database contents, and configuration files are exposed. Furthermore, attackers may use the compromised system as a pivot point for further network attacks or deploy malware, including ransomware or cryptominers, onto the server. The lack of authentication requirement significantly lowers the barrier to entry for malicious actors, making this vulnerability susceptible to automated scanning tools and widespread exploitation campaigns across the internet. Search engines and security scanners frequently target known vulnerable plugins, meaning that sites running affected versions are at high risk of immediate compromise upon being indexed or scanned.
To mitigate this risk, administrators must immediately update the Easy Google Maps plugin to version 1.13.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched by implementing strict input validation and avoiding direct deserialization of user-controlled data. If updating is not immediately feasible, temporary mitigations include restricting access to WordPress admin areas via IP whitelisting if applicable, although this does not fully address unauthenticated endpoints that may still be exposed. Additionally, deploying a Web Application Firewall can help detect and block common exploitation patterns associated with PHP object injection, such as specific serialized string formats or attempts to invoke dangerous magic methods. It is also recommended to audit the server environment for signs of compromise, including unusual file modifications, unexpected cron jobs, or anomalous network traffic, given that this vulnerability has been known to be actively exploited in the wild.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which describes Deserialization of Untrusted Data, a category of weaknesses where software fails to validate data before using it to reconstruct objects. From an offensive security perspective, as defined by the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this exploitation technique falls under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically leveraging PHP scripts for remote code execution. The attack vector is classified as Network-based with Low Complexity due to its unauthenticated nature, allowing attackers to achieve Initial Access through simple HTTP requests without requiring user interaction or privilege escalation beforehand. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability alongside other known weaknesses in their WordPress ecosystem to maintain a robust security posture against automated exploitation attempts that are prevalent in current threat landscapes.