CVE-2024-13773 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-321, which refers to the use of hard-coded cryptographic keys within software. In this case, the uxper Civi WordPress theme, designed for job boards and freelance marketplaces, contains hard-coded LinkedIn client and secret keys embedded in all versions up to 2.1.4. These keys are intended for OAuth or API integrations with LinkedIn but are improperly stored within the plugin’s codebase, making them accessible to unauthenticated attackers. Because the keys are hard-coded, they cannot be easily rotated or invalidated without updating the plugin or changing the keys on LinkedIn’s side. The vulnerability allows attackers to extract these credentials remotely without any authentication or user interaction, which can lead to unauthorized access to LinkedIn API services or impersonation of the affected site’s LinkedIn integration. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.3 reflects the ease of exploitation (network vector, no privileges required, no user interaction) and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, albeit with limited scope since it primarily exposes LinkedIn credentials. No patches or fixes have been linked yet, and no active exploits have been reported, but the risk remains high due to the sensitive nature of the exposed keys and the widespread use of WordPress themes in job board and freelance marketplace niches.

The exposure of hard-coded LinkedIn client and secret keys can have several serious consequences for organizations. Attackers who obtain these credentials can potentially impersonate the affected website’s LinkedIn integration, perform unauthorized API calls, or harvest additional user data from LinkedIn. This can lead to data breaches, reputational damage, and unauthorized access to user accounts or services linked via LinkedIn OAuth. Additionally, attackers might use the credentials to launch phishing campaigns or escalate attacks by leveraging trust relationships established through LinkedIn. The vulnerability also undermines the integrity of the affected site’s authentication mechanisms and could disrupt availability if attackers abuse the API keys to trigger rate limits or service disruptions. Organizations relying on this theme for their job board or freelance marketplace operations risk exposure of sensitive business and user data, which could impact compliance with data protection regulations and cause financial loss.

1. Immediately update the Civi WordPress theme to a version where the hard-coded keys are removed or replaced with secure, dynamically managed credentials once a patch is released by the vendor. 2. If no patch is available, manually remove or replace the hard-coded LinkedIn keys in the plugin’s source code and rotate the keys on the LinkedIn developer portal to invalidate compromised credentials. 3. Restrict API key permissions on LinkedIn to the minimum necessary scope to limit potential misuse. 4. Monitor LinkedIn API usage logs for suspicious activity that could indicate abuse of the exposed keys. 5. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block attempts to access plugin source files or configuration endpoints that might expose sensitive information. 6. Educate development and security teams about the risks of embedding hard-coded credentials and enforce secure credential management practices, such as environment variables or secure vaults. 7. Conduct regular security audits of third-party plugins and themes to identify similar issues proactively.