CVE-2024-10936: CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data in instawp String locator
The String locator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 2.6.6 via deserialization of untrusted input in the 'recursive_unserialize_replace' function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject a PHP Object. No known POP chain is present in the vulnerable software. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it could allow the attacker to delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code. An administrator must perform a search and replace action to trigger the exploit.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-10936 is a high-severity PHP Object Injection vulnerability in the String locator WordPress plugin (versions up to 2.6.6). It arises from unsafe deserialization of untrusted data in the 'recursive_unserialize_replace' function. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to inject PHP objects. However, exploitation requires an administrator to trigger the vulnerability by performing a search and replace operation. The plugin itself lacks a known POP chain, but if combined with other plugins or themes that provide such chains, it could lead to arbitrary file deletion, sensitive data disclosure, or code execution. No patch or official remediation has been documented yet.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to high-impact consequences including arbitrary file deletion, sensitive data disclosure, and remote code execution, but only if a POP chain is available through other installed plugins or themes. The vulnerability requires administrator interaction to trigger, limiting direct exploitation by unauthenticated attackers. The CVSS score of 8.8 reflects the high potential 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, administrators should avoid performing search and replace operations in the String locator plugin. Review installed plugins and themes for potential POP chains that could be leveraged in combination with this vulnerability. Monitor vendor channels for updates and apply patches promptly once available.
CVE-2024-10936: CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data in instawp String locator
Description
The String locator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 2.6.6 via deserialization of untrusted input in the 'recursive_unserialize_replace' function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject a PHP Object. No known POP chain is present in the vulnerable software. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it could allow the attacker to delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code. An administrator must perform a search and replace action to trigger the exploit.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-10936 is a high-severity PHP Object Injection vulnerability in the String locator WordPress plugin (versions up to 2.6.6). It arises from unsafe deserialization of untrusted data in the 'recursive_unserialize_replace' function. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to inject PHP objects. However, exploitation requires an administrator to trigger the vulnerability by performing a search and replace operation. The plugin itself lacks a known POP chain, but if combined with other plugins or themes that provide such chains, it could lead to arbitrary file deletion, sensitive data disclosure, or code execution. No patch or official remediation has been documented yet.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to high-impact consequences including arbitrary file deletion, sensitive data disclosure, and remote code execution, but only if a POP chain is available through other installed plugins or themes. The vulnerability requires administrator interaction to trigger, limiting direct exploitation by unauthenticated attackers. The CVSS score of 8.8 reflects the high potential 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, administrators should avoid performing search and replace operations in the String locator plugin. Review installed plugins and themes for potential POP chains that could be leveraged in combination with this vulnerability. Monitor vendor channels for updates and apply patches promptly once available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2024-11-06T19:00:26.031Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 699f6e03b7ef31ef0b593913
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:47:47 PM
Last enriched: 4/9/2026, 7:06:30 PM
Last updated: 4/12/2026, 3:55:45 PM
Views: 20
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.