CVE-2024-53768 Overview
CVE-2024-53768 is a sensitive data exposure vulnerability in the ideinteractive Content Audit Exporter WordPress plugin. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 1.1. Unauthenticated attackers can retrieve embedded sensitive system information from vulnerable installations over the network. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-497]: Exposure of Sensitive System Information to an Unauthorized Control Sphere.
Critical Impact
Remote unauthenticated attackers can access sensitive system information exposed by the plugin, potentially aiding reconnaissance and follow-on attacks against the WordPress site.
Affected Products
- ideinteractive Content Audit Exporter WordPress plugin
- Versions from n/a through 1.1 (inclusive)
- WordPress sites running the vulnerable content-audit-exporter plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-30 - CVE-2024-53768 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-53768
Vulnerability Analysis
The Content Audit Exporter plugin exposes sensitive system information to unauthorized users. The plugin does not enforce sufficient access controls on functionality that returns embedded sensitive data. Remote attackers can query the affected endpoint without authentication and receive information intended for privileged users only.
The exposed data can support reconnaissance activities. Attackers use this information to fingerprint the environment, identify additional weaknesses, and refine follow-on attacks. Exposure alone does not modify data or disrupt service, but it lowers the effort required to escalate an intrusion.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient authorization checks on functionality that returns embedded sensitive data. The plugin returns internal system details to callers that should not have access to that context. This maps to [CWE-497], where sensitive system information crosses a trust boundary it should not cross.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network and requires no authentication or user interaction. An attacker sends a crafted request to the affected plugin endpoint on a vulnerable WordPress site. The server responds with sensitive information that the attacker can parse and reuse. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for additional technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-53768
Indicators of Compromise
- Unauthenticated HTTP requests to Content Audit Exporter plugin endpoints under /wp-content/plugins/content-audit-exporter/
- Unexpected outbound responses containing plugin-generated exports to external IP addresses
- Access log entries showing repeated enumeration of plugin resources from a single source
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress access logs for anonymous requests targeting Content Audit Exporter routes and admin-ajax actions tied to the plugin
- Monitor web application firewall (WAF) telemetry for scanner user agents probing WordPress plugin paths
- Correlate plugin version inventory with the vulnerable range <= 1.1 to identify exposed installations
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose access logging on WordPress hosts and forward logs to a centralized analytics platform
- Alert on anomalous response sizes from plugin endpoints, which can indicate bulk data extraction
- Track new installations of the content-audit-exporter plugin across managed WordPress environments
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-53768
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running Content Audit Exporter version 1.1 or earlier
- Deactivate and remove the plugin until a patched release is verified as available
- Restrict access to WordPress administrative and plugin endpoints via network controls or WAF rules
- Review web server logs for prior unauthenticated access to plugin endpoints and assess exposure
Patch Information
At the time of publication, the vendor advisory indicates the vulnerability affects versions up to and including 1.1. Administrators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest fixed version guidance and apply updates as they become available.
Workarounds
- Remove the plugin entirely if it is not required for business operations
- Block unauthenticated access to plugin endpoints at the WAF or reverse proxy layer
- Restrict access to the WordPress site to trusted IP ranges where feasible
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
