CVE-2024-10542: CWE-862 Missing Authorization in cleantalk Spam protection, Honeypot, Anti-Spam by CleanTalk
The Spam protection, Anti-Spam, FireWall by CleanTalk plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized Arbitrary Plugin Installation due to an authorization bypass via reverse DNS spoofing on the checkWithoutToken function in all versions up to, and including, 6.43.2. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to install and activate arbitrary plugins which can be leveraged to achieve remote code execution if another vulnerable plugin is installed and activated.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-10542 is a critical vulnerability in the CleanTalk Spam protection, Honeypot, Anti-Spam WordPress plugin affecting all versions up to 6.43.2. The issue stems from missing authorization controls (CWE-862) in the checkWithoutToken function, which can be bypassed through reverse DNS spoofing. This bypass enables unauthenticated attackers to install and activate arbitrary plugins, potentially leading to remote code execution when combined with other vulnerable plugins.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated attackers to install and activate arbitrary WordPress plugins. This can escalate to remote code execution if other vulnerable plugins are present and activated, resulting in full compromise of the affected WordPress site. The CVSS 3.1 score is 9.8 (critical), reflecting the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict access to the affected plugin and monitor for suspicious activity. Avoid installing untrusted plugins and consider disabling the CleanTalk plugin if feasible. Follow vendor updates closely for an official patch or temporary mitigation.
CVE-2024-10542: CWE-862 Missing Authorization in cleantalk Spam protection, Honeypot, Anti-Spam by CleanTalk
Description
The Spam protection, Anti-Spam, FireWall by CleanTalk plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized Arbitrary Plugin Installation due to an authorization bypass via reverse DNS spoofing on the checkWithoutToken function in all versions up to, and including, 6.43.2. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to install and activate arbitrary plugins which can be leveraged to achieve remote code execution if another vulnerable plugin is installed and activated.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-10542 is a critical vulnerability in the CleanTalk Spam protection, Honeypot, Anti-Spam WordPress plugin affecting all versions up to 6.43.2. The issue stems from missing authorization controls (CWE-862) in the checkWithoutToken function, which can be bypassed through reverse DNS spoofing. This bypass enables unauthenticated attackers to install and activate arbitrary plugins, potentially leading to remote code execution when combined with other vulnerable plugins.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated attackers to install and activate arbitrary WordPress plugins. This can escalate to remote code execution if other vulnerable plugins are present and activated, resulting in full compromise of the affected WordPress site. The CVSS 3.1 score is 9.8 (critical), reflecting the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict access to the affected plugin and monitor for suspicious activity. Avoid installing untrusted plugins and consider disabling the CleanTalk plugin if feasible. Follow vendor updates closely for an official patch or temporary mitigation.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2024-10-30T12:40:50.344Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 699f6df6b7ef31ef0b59169b
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:47:34 PM
Last enriched: 4/9/2026, 5:48:07 AM
Last updated: 4/12/2026, 10:40:35 AM
Views: 17
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