CVE-2026-24976 Overview
CVE-2026-24976 is a PHP Object Injection vulnerability in the NooTheme Organici Library plugin for WordPress. The flaw stems from deserialization of untrusted data [CWE-502] and affects all versions of noo-organici-library up to and including 2.1.2. Authenticated attackers with low-level privileges can submit crafted serialized payloads that the plugin deserializes, leading to object injection. When suitable PHP magic method gadgets exist in the WordPress environment, this can escalate to arbitrary code execution, data tampering, or full site compromise.
Critical Impact
An authenticated attacker can inject malicious PHP objects to achieve high-impact compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability on affected WordPress sites.
Affected Products
- NooTheme Organici Library plugin (noo-organici-library)
- All versions from n/a through 2.1.2
- WordPress installations running the vulnerable plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-25 - CVE-2026-24976 published to NVD
- 2026-04-24 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-24976
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified as Insecure Deserialization leading to PHP Object Injection. The plugin passes attacker-controllable input to unserialize() without validating or restricting the resulting object types. When PHP deserializes the payload, it instantiates arbitrary classes and triggers magic methods such as __wakeup, __destruct, or __toString.
If any loaded class within WordPress core, themes, or other plugins exposes a usable gadget chain, the attacker can pivot from object instantiation to dangerous side effects. These include arbitrary file writes, SQL injection, option overwrites, or remote code execution. The attack requires network access and low-privilege authentication, with no user interaction needed.
Root Cause
The root cause is the use of PHP's native unserialize() function on attacker-supplied data. PHP serialization is not a safe parsing mechanism for untrusted input because it permits instantiation of arbitrary classes and execution of magic methods during the unserialization process.
Attack Vector
The attack is delivered over the network through standard HTTP requests to the WordPress site. An authenticated user submits a request to an endpoint exposed by the Organici Library plugin containing a crafted serialized PHP object. The plugin deserializes the payload server-side, triggering the gadget chain. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-24976
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP POST or GET requests to plugin endpoints containing serialized PHP markers such as O:, a:, or s: followed by class names and length specifiers.
- Unexpected creation or modification of files under wp-content/, wp-includes/, or theme directories shortly after plugin requests.
- New or modified WordPress options, scheduled tasks (wp_cron), or administrative users without corresponding admin activity.
- PHP error log entries referencing __wakeup, __destruct, or class instantiation failures originating from plugin code paths.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for request parameters containing PHP serialization patterns directed at Organici Library plugin URLs.
- Deploy web application firewall rules that flag serialized object payloads in request bodies and query strings.
- Compare installed plugin file hashes against known-good 2.1.2 and earlier baselines to identify tampering.
- Monitor WordPress audit logs for privilege changes, plugin activations, and option updates initiated by low-privilege accounts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WordPress, PHP-FPM, and web server logs to a centralized log platform for correlation and retention.
- Alert on authenticated low-privilege accounts performing actions normally reserved for administrators.
- Track outbound network connections from PHP worker processes to detect post-exploitation callbacks.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-24976
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running the noo-organici-library plugin and prioritize remediation for internet-facing instances.
- Deactivate and remove the Organici Library plugin until a vendor-patched version above 2.1.2 is confirmed available and installed.
- Rotate WordPress administrator credentials, secret keys in wp-config.php, and any API tokens that may have been exposed.
- Audit user accounts for unauthorized privilege escalations and remove any unrecognized administrative users.
Patch Information
The NVD entry lists affected versions through 2.1.2 with no fixed version explicitly recorded in the supplied data. Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for current patch status and vendor guidance before redeploying the plugin.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the WordPress site using IP allowlisting or a web application firewall while the plugin remains installed.
- Apply WAF signatures that block serialized PHP object payloads in HTTP request parameters.
- Limit account registration and demote unnecessary low-privilege accounts that could be abused to reach the vulnerable code path.
- Place the affected site behind authentication proxies or VPN access until remediation is complete.
# Configuration example: disable the vulnerable plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate noo-organici-library
wp plugin delete noo-organici-library
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
