CVE-2024-11082 is a critical security vulnerability identified in the Tumult Hype Animations plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to 1.9.15. The root cause is the lack of proper file type validation in the hypeanimations_panel() function, which handles file uploads. This flaw allows authenticated users with Author-level privileges or higher to upload arbitrary files to the web server. Since the plugin does not restrict or validate the file types being uploaded, attackers can upload malicious files such as web shells or scripts that enable remote code execution (RCE). The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only low-privilege authenticated access, which is commonly granted to contributors or authors on WordPress sites, expanding the potential attacker base. The CVSS 3.1 score of 9.9 reflects the vulnerability’s ease of exploitation (network attack vector, low attack complexity), the requirement of privileges (low), no user interaction, and the critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's characteristics make it a prime target for attackers aiming to compromise WordPress sites running this plugin. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure increases the urgency for mitigation. This vulnerability falls under CWE-434, which covers unrestricted file upload vulnerabilities that can lead to remote code execution or other severe impacts.

The impact of CVE-2024-11082 is severe for organizations running WordPress sites with the Tumult Hype Animations plugin. Successful exploitation can lead to full server compromise via remote code execution, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal sensitive data, deface websites, or pivot to internal networks. This threatens the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Since the vulnerability requires only Author-level access, attackers can leverage compromised or weak credentials to gain foothold. The widespread use of WordPress globally, including in government, enterprise, and e-commerce sectors, means that a large number of websites are potentially at risk. The ability to upload arbitrary files can also facilitate malware distribution or ransomware deployment. The vulnerability could be exploited to disrupt business operations, damage reputation, and cause regulatory compliance issues due to data breaches.

Until an official patch is released, organizations should implement immediate compensating controls. These include restricting Author-level and higher user privileges to trusted personnel only and auditing existing user accounts for suspicious activity. Disable or remove the Tumult Hype Animations plugin if it is not essential. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file uploads or web shell signatures. Harden file upload directories by restricting executable permissions and isolating upload paths from the web root. Monitor server logs for unusual file upload activity or execution attempts. Enforce strong authentication and consider multi-factor authentication for WordPress admin and author accounts. Once a patch is available, apply it promptly. Additionally, conduct regular security assessments and backups to ensure rapid recovery if compromise occurs.