PPWP – Password Protect Pages: insecure deserialization
PPWP – Password Protect Pages
Insecure deserialization in the PPWP – Password Protect Pages component. Threat level: High (CVSS 8.8).
Who is affected
This vulnerability affects: PPWP – Password Protect Pages. If you use this component on your site, check the version and update it as soon as possible.
How dangerous
Rating: High, CVSS 8.8 out of 10. It is worth acting before the flaw is exploited.
What this flaw is
Insecure deserialization processes input as ready-made objects. With a faulty implementation, this can run code or alter the application logic.
In practice it often leads to remote code execution, i.e. a site takeover.
Score breakdown (CVSS vector)
What the CVSS 8.8 rating means in practice:
- The attack can be carried out remotely, over the internet.
- Requires an ordinary, low-privileged account.
- Requires no action from the victim.
- At risk: data confidentiality, integrity (data can be altered), site availability.
Weakness class: CWE-502.
What to do
- Update the vulnerable component (PPWP – Password Protect Pages) to the latest version.
- If a patch is not out yet, temporarily disable the vulnerable element.
- Check whether the site has already been attacked: unusual files, new administrator accounts, redirects.
- Make a backup before you start making changes.
Does this flaw affect your site?
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