CVE-2024-13777 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-502 (Deserialization of Untrusted Data) affecting the ZoomSounds - WordPress Wave Audio Player with Playlist plugin. The flaw arises from insecure deserialization of user-supplied input via the 'margs' parameter, allowing unauthenticated attackers to inject crafted PHP objects. Deserialization vulnerabilities can lead to PHP Object Injection, enabling attackers to manipulate application logic or execute arbitrary code if a suitable POP (Property Oriented Programming) gadget chain exists. However, ZoomSounds itself does not contain a POP chain, meaning the vulnerability alone does not allow exploitation. The risk materializes when other plugins or themes installed on the WordPress site contain POP chains that can be leveraged in conjunction with this flaw. If exploited, attackers could delete arbitrary files, access sensitive data, or execute arbitrary code depending on the capabilities of the POP chain. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 6.91. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication or user interaction, but the complexity is high due to the dependency on external gadget chains. The vulnerability was published on March 5, 2025, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1, indicating high severity with network attack vector, high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and no privileges or user interaction required.

The potential impact of CVE-2024-13777 is significant for organizations running WordPress sites with the ZoomSounds plugin, especially if other vulnerable plugins or themes containing POP chains are installed. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to take full control of the affected website, delete critical files, or exfiltrate sensitive information such as user data or credentials. This can result in website defacement, data breaches, service disruption, and reputational damage. Given WordPress's widespread use, especially in small to medium businesses and content-driven sites, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or automated mass exploitation campaigns. The dependency on additional vulnerable components for full exploitation means the impact varies by environment but remains a high risk where such conditions exist. Attackers require no authentication, increasing the threat surface. Organizations with complex WordPress environments and multiple third-party plugins are at higher risk.

To mitigate CVE-2024-13777, organizations should first update the ZoomSounds plugin to a patched version once available. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should consider disabling or removing the ZoomSounds plugin to eliminate the attack vector. Conduct a thorough audit of all installed plugins and themes to identify and update or remove components that may contain POP chains exploitable in conjunction with this vulnerability. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious serialized PHP payloads targeting the 'margs' parameter. Restrict access to the WordPress admin and plugin endpoints via IP whitelisting or authentication where possible. Monitor logs for unusual requests containing serialized data and signs of exploitation attempts. Implement least privilege principles for WordPress file permissions to limit damage from potential exploitation. Regularly back up website data and test restoration procedures to recover quickly from any compromise. Consider using security plugins that detect or prevent PHP object injection attacks. Finally, educate site administrators about the risks of installing unvetted plugins and the importance of timely updates.