CVE-2024-27985 Overview
CVE-2024-27985 is a PHP Object Injection vulnerability in the PropertyHive plugin for WordPress. The flaw stems from deserialization of untrusted data [CWE-502] and affects all versions of PropertyHive up to and including 2.0.9. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can send crafted serialized input over the network to trigger unsafe object instantiation.
Successful exploitation compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress site. When suitable PHP gadget chains are present, attackers can escalate object injection into arbitrary code execution.
Critical Impact
Authenticated PHP object injection in PropertyHive can lead to remote code execution, arbitrary file operations, and full compromise of the WordPress host.
Affected Products
- PropertyHive WordPress plugin versions through 2.0.9
- WordPress sites running the wp-property-hive:propertyhive component
- WordPress deployments with authenticated user roles that can reach the vulnerable endpoint
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-04-11 - CVE-2024-27985 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-27985
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in PropertyHive's handling of serialized PHP data. The plugin passes attacker-controlled input to unserialize() without validating or restricting the object types it will instantiate. This behavior enables PHP Object Injection, a class of deserialization flaw specific to PHP applications.
When unserialize() reconstructs an object, PHP invokes magic methods such as __wakeup(), __destruct(), and __toString() on the resulting instance. Attackers chain these methods across classes already loaded in the WordPress runtime to build POP (Property-Oriented Programming) chains. These chains can trigger file writes, SQL execution, or arbitrary code execution depending on the available gadgets.
The attack requires network access and low-privilege authentication. No user interaction is needed, and the scope remains unchanged relative to the WordPress process.
Root Cause
The root cause is unsafe deserialization of user-supplied data. PropertyHive versions through 2.0.9 invoke PHP's unserialize() function on input that traverses the trust boundary without whitelisting expected classes via the allowed_classes option or replacing serialization with safer formats such as JSON.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker submits a crafted serialized payload to a vulnerable PropertyHive endpoint. The plugin deserializes the payload, instantiating attacker-chosen objects. If a usable gadget chain exists in WordPress core, PropertyHive, or another installed plugin, the chain executes during object lifecycle events.
For technical details on the specific parameter and endpoint, see the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-27985
Indicators of Compromise
- Requests to PropertyHive endpoints containing serialized PHP markers such as O:, a:, or s: inside POST bodies, cookies, or query strings
- Unexpected PHP files, webshells, or modified theme and plugin files under wp-content/
- New or modified WordPress administrator accounts created shortly after suspicious plugin requests
- Outbound network connections from the web server process to unknown hosts
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server and WordPress request logs for serialized object patterns targeting PropertyHive routes
- Correlate authenticated user sessions with plugin parameter values that resemble serialized PHP structures
- Alert on PHP process spawning system utilities such as sh, bash, curl, or wget from the web server context
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable file integrity monitoring across the WordPress installation directory
- Forward web application firewall and PHP error logs to a centralized SIEM for pattern-based analysis
- Track PropertyHive plugin version inventory across managed WordPress hosts to identify unpatched instances
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-27985
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade PropertyHive to a version later than 2.0.9 as published by the vendor
- Audit WordPress user accounts and revoke unnecessary low-privilege access to the site
- Review recent plugin activity logs for signs of exploitation attempts against PropertyHive endpoints
Patch Information
Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the fixed release and vendor patch metadata. Apply the update through the WordPress plugin manager or the vendor's distribution channel.
Workarounds
- Deploy a web application firewall rule that blocks serialized PHP payloads in requests to PropertyHive endpoints
- Restrict access to WordPress authenticated endpoints using IP allowlisting where operationally feasible
- Disable the PropertyHive plugin until the patched version is installed if the upgrade cannot be applied immediately
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
