CVE-2024-8016: CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data in theeventscalendar The Events Calendar Pro
The Events Calendar Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 7.0.2 via deserialization of untrusted input from the 'filters' parameter in widgets. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. The additional presence of a POP chain allows attackers to execute code remotely. In certain configurations, this can be exploitable by lower level users. We confirmed that this plugin installed with Elementor makes it possible for users with contributor-level access and above to exploit this issue.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-8016 is a deserialization vulnerability (CWE-502) in The Events Calendar Pro WordPress plugin (up to version 7.0.2). It arises from unsafe deserialization of the 'filters' parameter in widgets, enabling PHP Object Injection. Authenticated attackers with administrator privileges can exploit this to execute arbitrary code remotely. Additionally, when combined with Elementor, users with contributor-level access can exploit the issue. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.1 (critical), reflecting its potential for remote code execution with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patch or vendor advisory is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote code execution by injecting malicious PHP objects through deserialization of untrusted data. This compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected WordPress sites. The vulnerability requires at least administrator-level access, except in configurations with Elementor where contributor-level users may exploit it. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict access to administrator and contributor roles as appropriate, and consider disabling or limiting use of the vulnerable widget functionality. Monitor official sources for updates and apply patches promptly once available.
CVE-2024-8016: CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data in theeventscalendar The Events Calendar Pro
Description
The Events Calendar Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 7.0.2 via deserialization of untrusted input from the 'filters' parameter in widgets. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. The additional presence of a POP chain allows attackers to execute code remotely. In certain configurations, this can be exploitable by lower level users. We confirmed that this plugin installed with Elementor makes it possible for users with contributor-level access and above to exploit this issue.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-8016 is a deserialization vulnerability (CWE-502) in The Events Calendar Pro WordPress plugin (up to version 7.0.2). It arises from unsafe deserialization of the 'filters' parameter in widgets, enabling PHP Object Injection. Authenticated attackers with administrator privileges can exploit this to execute arbitrary code remotely. Additionally, when combined with Elementor, users with contributor-level access can exploit the issue. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.1 (critical), reflecting its potential for remote code execution with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patch or vendor advisory is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote code execution by injecting malicious PHP objects through deserialization of untrusted data. This compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected WordPress sites. The vulnerability requires at least administrator-level access, except in configurations with Elementor where contributor-level users may exploit it. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict access to administrator and contributor roles as appropriate, and consider disabling or limiting use of the vulnerable widget functionality. Monitor official sources for updates and apply patches promptly once available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2024-08-20T16:45:51.132Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 699f6c20b7ef31ef0b560403
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:39:44 PM
Last enriched: 4/9/2026, 3:07:59 PM
Last updated: 4/12/2026, 2:05:14 AM
Views: 12
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