CVE-2024-43228 identifies a Missing Authorization vulnerability in the SecuPress Free WordPress security plugin, affecting versions up to and including 2.2.5.3. Missing authorization means that certain functions or endpoints within the plugin do not properly verify whether the user has the necessary permissions before allowing access or execution. This can allow an attacker, potentially even an unauthenticated user depending on the context, to perform actions that should be restricted to administrators or authorized users only. Such actions could include changing security settings, disabling protections, or accessing sensitive data managed by the plugin. SecuPress Free is widely used to enhance WordPress security, so a flaw in its authorization controls undermines the security posture of the websites relying on it. Although no public exploits or proof-of-concept code are currently known, the vulnerability’s presence in a security plugin elevates its risk profile. The lack of a CVSS score means severity must be assessed based on the nature of the flaw, the affected product’s role, and potential impact. Missing authorization vulnerabilities are critical because they can lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized control over security configurations, which can cascade into broader site compromise. The vulnerability was reserved in August 2024 and published in February 2026, indicating a responsible disclosure timeline but no immediate public exploit activity.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-43228 is the potential for unauthorized users to bypass access controls within the SecuPress Free plugin, leading to unauthorized modification of security settings or access to sensitive information. This can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress sites. Attackers could disable security features, expose sensitive data, or escalate privileges, increasing the risk of further exploitation such as malware installation, data theft, or site defacement. For organizations relying on SecuPress Free to protect their WordPress environments, this vulnerability undermines trust in their security controls and could lead to reputational damage, financial loss, and regulatory compliance issues. Since WordPress powers a significant portion of websites globally, including e-commerce, media, and government sites, the scope of impact is broad. Although no active exploits are known, the vulnerability’s nature means it could be targeted by attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access or control over websites. The impact is especially critical for high-profile or high-traffic sites where security breaches can have amplified consequences.

To mitigate CVE-2024-43228, organizations should immediately review and restrict access to the SecuPress Free plugin’s administrative interfaces, ensuring only trusted and authenticated users have permissions. Until a patch is released, consider disabling or uninstalling the plugin if feasible, especially on high-risk or critical sites. Monitor logs and security alerts for unusual activity related to plugin access or configuration changes. Employ additional WordPress security best practices such as enforcing strong authentication, limiting user roles, and using web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block unauthorized requests targeting the plugin. Stay informed about updates from SecuPress and apply patches promptly once available. Conduct thorough security audits of WordPress environments to identify any signs of compromise related to this vulnerability. For organizations unable to immediately patch, consider isolating affected sites or using compensating controls like IP whitelisting for admin access. Document and communicate the risk internally to ensure awareness and readiness to respond to any exploitation attempts.