CVE-2026-24954: WpEvently Object Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2026-24954 Overview

A deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability has been identified in the WpEvently (mage-eventpress) WordPress plugin developed by magepeopleteam. This vulnerability allows attackers to perform Object Injection attacks, potentially leading to remote code execution, unauthorized data access, or complete site compromise. The flaw exists in versions up to and including 5.0.8 of the plugin.

Critical Impact

Authenticated attackers with low privileges can exploit this deserialization vulnerability to inject arbitrary PHP objects, potentially achieving remote code execution on affected WordPress installations.

Affected Products

• WpEvently (mage-eventpress) WordPress plugin versions through 5.0.8
• WordPress sites running vulnerable versions of the WpEvently plugin
• Any WordPress deployment utilizing the mage-eventpress plugin for event management

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-03 - CVE-2026-24954 published to NVD
• 2026-02-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-24954

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-502 (Deserialization of Untrusted Data). The WpEvently plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize serialized data before passing it to PHP's unserialize() function. When an attacker supplies a maliciously crafted serialized object, the application deserializes it without proper security checks, allowing arbitrary object instantiation.

The attack requires network access and low-level authentication (such as subscriber or contributor roles in WordPress), but once these conditions are met, the exploitation does not require user interaction. Successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress site.

Root Cause

The root cause stems from the plugin's improper handling of serialized input data. PHP's unserialize() function reconstructs objects from their serialized string representation, and when user-controlled data reaches this function without proper validation, attackers can instantiate arbitrary classes present in the application's codebase. Combined with PHP's magic methods (__wakeup(), __destruct(), __toString()), this creates exploitation chains known as "POP gadgets" that can lead to remote code execution.

Attack Vector

The attack is conducted over the network and requires the attacker to have a low-privilege authenticated session on the WordPress installation. The attacker identifies an input parameter that accepts serialized data and crafts a malicious payload containing a serialized PHP object. This payload leverages existing classes within WordPress core, the vulnerable plugin, or other installed plugins to form a property-oriented programming (POP) chain.

When the malicious serialized string is processed by the plugin's vulnerable code path, the attacker-controlled object is instantiated, triggering magic methods that execute the attacker's payload. This can result in arbitrary file operations, command execution, or database manipulation depending on the available gadget chains.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-24954

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual serialized data patterns in web server logs containing PHP object notation (e.g., O:4:"ClassName":...)
• Unexpected file modifications or new files in WordPress directories, particularly in upload folders
• Database entries containing serialized objects with suspicious class names
• Web application firewall logs showing attempts to inject serialized PHP data

Detection Strategies

• Deploy web application firewall rules to detect and block serialized PHP object patterns in request parameters
• Monitor WordPress activity logs for privilege escalation or unauthorized administrative actions
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress directories
• Review server access logs for requests containing O: patterns characteristic of PHP serialized objects

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on the WordPress installation and monitor for anomalous plugin behavior
• Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on deserialization attack signatures
• Regularly audit user accounts and their privilege levels for unauthorized changes
• Monitor outbound network connections from the web server for potential data exfiltration

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-24954

Immediate Actions Required

• Update WpEvently (mage-eventpress) to a patched version when available from the vendor
• Consider temporarily disabling the WpEvently plugin until a security update is released
• Audit existing WordPress user accounts and remove unnecessary low-privilege accounts
• Implement additional authentication controls such as two-factor authentication for all users

Patch Information

Security details and remediation guidance are available through the PatchStack WordPress Vulnerability Database. Site administrators should monitor the magepeopleteam vendor channels and the WordPress plugin repository for updated versions of WpEvently that address this deserialization vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with rules specifically targeting PHP object injection attacks
• Restrict WordPress user registration and minimize the number of accounts with any level of authenticated access
• Consider implementing PHP runtime protections that restrict the classes available for unserialization
• Regularly backup WordPress installations to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise

If a WAF solution is available, configure rules to block requests containing serialized PHP object patterns. Monitor the PatchStack advisory and vendor channels for official patch releases addressing CVE-2026-24954.