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:

1. Uploading a malicious import file containing PHP code that gets executed during the import process
2. Manipulating POST/GET parameters to inject code into dynamically generated PHP statements
3. 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

# 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