CVE-2024-1813 is a critical vulnerability classified under CWE-502 (Deserialization of Untrusted Data) affecting the Simple Job Board plugin developed by presstigers for WordPress. The flaw exists in all versions up to and including 2.11.0 within the job_board_applicant_list_columns_value function, which improperly deserializes user-supplied input without validation or sanitization. This unsafe deserialization enables unauthenticated remote attackers to perform PHP Object Injection, a technique where attackers craft serialized PHP objects that, when deserialized, can trigger malicious behavior. However, successful exploitation to achieve impactful outcomes such as arbitrary file deletion, sensitive data retrieval, or remote code execution depends on the presence of a suitable Property Oriented Programming (POP) gadget chain within other plugins or themes installed on the target WordPress instance. The vulnerability can be triggered remotely over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, making it highly exploitable. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the critical nature of this flaw, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability poses a severe risk due to the widespread use of WordPress and the popularity of the Simple Job Board plugin for managing job listings and applications. The lack of an official patch at the time of disclosure further elevates the urgency for mitigation.

The impact of CVE-2024-1813 is severe for organizations using the Simple Job Board plugin on WordPress sites. Exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the affected web server, including arbitrary code execution, which may allow attackers to deploy backdoors, pivot within internal networks, or exfiltrate sensitive data such as applicant information or internal business data. The ability to delete arbitrary files can disrupt business operations by damaging or removing critical website files or data. Since the vulnerability requires no authentication and can be triggered remotely, it significantly increases the attack surface for threat actors scanning for vulnerable WordPress sites. Organizations relying on this plugin for recruitment or HR functions may face reputational damage, legal consequences related to data breaches, and operational downtime. The threat is amplified in environments where multiple plugins or themes provide the necessary POP gadgets, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2024-1813, organizations should immediately assess their WordPress installations for the presence of the Simple Job Board plugin and its version. If upgrading to a patched version is not yet possible, consider temporarily disabling the plugin to eliminate exposure. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious serialized PHP payloads targeting the vulnerable function. Conduct an inventory of installed plugins and themes to identify potential POP gadget chains that could facilitate exploitation and remove or update them accordingly. Employ strict input validation and sanitization measures where possible, and monitor web server logs for unusual requests or errors related to deserialization. Additionally, isolate WordPress instances with vulnerable plugins in segmented network zones to limit lateral movement if compromised. Stay alert for official patches or updates from the vendor and apply them promptly once available. Finally, conduct regular backups and ensure incident response plans are prepared for potential exploitation scenarios.