CVE-2024-1857 is a security vulnerability classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) found in the Ultimate Gift Cards for WooCommerce plugin, which is used to create, redeem, and manage digital gift certificates with personalized templates on WordPress sites. The vulnerability resides in the wps_wgm_preview_email_template() function, which improperly exposes sensitive information by allowing unauthenticated users to preview email templates. This exposure includes access to password-protected and draft posts that may contain sensitive or confidential data. Because the function lacks proper authorization checks, attackers can exploit this flaw remotely without any credentials or user interaction. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 2.6.6 of the plugin. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting the vulnerability's network attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The impact is limited to confidentiality loss, with no direct effect on integrity or availability. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. This vulnerability is significant for WordPress sites using this plugin, especially those handling sensitive customer data or operating e-commerce platforms.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-1857 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored in password-protected or draft posts on WordPress sites using the affected plugin. This can lead to leakage of confidential business data, customer information, or internal communications, potentially resulting in reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and compliance violations (e.g., GDPR or other data protection regulations). Since the vulnerability requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely, attackers can easily harvest sensitive data without leaving obvious traces. Although the vulnerability does not affect data integrity or availability, the exposure of sensitive content can facilitate further targeted attacks such as phishing, social engineering, or credential theft. E-commerce sites using this plugin may be particularly vulnerable due to the nature of gift card management and associated customer data. Organizations worldwide that rely on WooCommerce and this plugin are at risk of data breaches if the vulnerability is not addressed promptly.

To mitigate CVE-2024-1857, organizations should immediately upgrade the Ultimate Gift Cards for WooCommerce plugin to a version where this vulnerability is patched once available. Until a patch is released, administrators should consider disabling or restricting access to the wps_wgm_preview_email_template() functionality, possibly by implementing web application firewall (WAF) rules to block unauthorized requests targeting this endpoint. Limiting access to the WordPress admin area and sensitive plugin endpoints via IP whitelisting or VPN can reduce exposure. Regularly auditing and removing unnecessary draft or password-protected posts containing sensitive information can minimize potential data leakage. Monitoring web server logs for suspicious access patterns related to the plugin’s preview functionality is also recommended. Additionally, organizations should ensure that their WordPress installations and plugins are kept up to date and conduct regular security assessments to detect similar authorization issues.