CVE-2025-24677: WordPress Post/Page Copying Tool RCE Flaw

CVE-2025-24677 Overview

CVE-2025-24677 is a code injection vulnerability (CWE-94) affecting the WordPress Post/Page Copying Tool plugin (postpage-import-export-with-custom-fields-taxonomies) developed by wpspin. This vulnerability allows attackers to achieve Remote Code Inclusion, potentially leading to complete compromise of the affected WordPress installation.

The vulnerability stems from improper control of code generation, enabling malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the server hosting the vulnerable WordPress site. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in WordPress environments as it can lead to full server takeover, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within the hosting infrastructure.

Critical Impact
Remote Code Execution capability allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to WordPress sites, potentially compromising sensitive data and enabling further attacks on the underlying server infrastructure.

Affected Products

WordPress Post/Page Copying Tool plugin version 2.0.3 and earlier
Plugin slug: postpage-import-export-with-custom-fields-taxonomies
All WordPress installations running vulnerable plugin versions

Discovery Timeline

2025-02-04 - CVE-2025-24677 published to NVD
2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-24677

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as Improper Control of Generation of Code (CWE-94), which occurs when the application constructs code segments using externally-influenced input from an upstream component without properly neutralizing special elements that could modify the syntax or behavior of the intended code segment.

In the context of the Post/Page Copying Tool plugin, the vulnerability enables Remote Code Inclusion. This means an attacker can cause the application to include and execute code from a remote location, bypassing intended security controls. WordPress plugins that handle import/export functionality are particularly susceptible to such vulnerabilities when input validation and sanitization are insufficient.

The attack surface includes any functionality that processes imported content or handles data during the post/page migration process. Without proper validation, malicious payloads embedded in import files or request parameters can be executed server-side.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and validate user-controlled input before incorporating it into dynamically generated code. The import/export functionality likely processes data that gets evaluated or included without adequate security checks, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that the server interprets and executes.

WordPress plugins handling serialized data, file imports, or dynamic content generation must implement strict input validation and output encoding. The absence of these controls in version 2.0.3 and earlier creates the exploitable condition.

Attack Vector

The attack vector involves exploiting the plugin's import functionality to inject malicious code. An attacker would craft a specially prepared import file or manipulate request parameters sent to the vulnerable plugin endpoints. When the plugin processes this input, the malicious code is included and executed on the server.

Attack scenarios may include:

Uploading a malicious import file containing PHP code that gets executed during the import process
Manipulating POST/GET parameters to inject code into dynamically generated PHP statements
Exploiting deserialization vulnerabilities if the plugin handles serialized PHP objects

For detailed technical information about the vulnerability mechanism, refer to the Patchstack security advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24677

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected PHP files appearing in the wp-content/plugins/postpage-import-export-with-custom-fields-taxonomies/ directory
Unusual outbound network connections originating from the web server
Modified .htaccess files or WordPress core files
New administrator accounts created without authorization
Suspicious entries in web server access logs showing requests to the plugin's import endpoints with encoded payloads

Detection Strategies

Monitor web application firewall (WAF) logs for code injection patterns targeting WordPress plugin endpoints
Implement file integrity monitoring on the WordPress installation to detect unauthorized file modifications
Review server-side logs for unusual PHP error messages or execution patterns
Deploy endpoint detection solutions to identify malicious process execution on web servers
Scan for known webshell signatures within the WordPress directory structure

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable detailed logging for the WordPress installation and review logs regularly for suspicious activity
Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on Remote Code Execution patterns
Monitor server resource utilization for anomalies that may indicate cryptomining or botnet activity
Implement continuous vulnerability scanning for WordPress plugins and themes

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24677

Immediate Actions Required

Identify all WordPress installations using the Post/Page Copying Tool plugin version 2.0.3 or earlier
Disable or remove the vulnerable plugin until a patched version is available
Review server logs for indicators of compromise suggesting prior exploitation
Consider implementing a Web Application Firewall with rules to block code injection attempts
Audit the WordPress installation for unauthorized modifications or new user accounts

Patch Information

Organizations should monitor the WordPress plugin repository and the Patchstack security advisory for updates regarding a patched version of the plugin. Until a fix is released by the developer, the plugin should remain deactivated on production systems.

Workarounds

Deactivate the Post/Page Copying Tool plugin in the WordPress admin panel under Plugins → Installed Plugins
Implement IP-based access restrictions to the WordPress admin area and plugin directories
Deploy a Web Application Firewall configured to block PHP code injection patterns
Use WordPress security plugins to add an additional layer of protection against code execution attacks
Consider using alternative post/page migration solutions that have been security audited

bash

# WordPress CLI command to deactivate the vulnerable plugin
wp plugin deactivate postpage-import-export-with-custom-fields-taxonomies

# Verify plugin status
wp plugin status postpage-import-export-with-custom-fields-taxonomies

# Check for any suspicious files in the plugin directory
find wp-content/plugins/postpage-import-export-with-custom-fields-taxonomies/ -name "*.php" -mtime -7