CVE-2026-24998 is a security vulnerability identified in the Hustle plugin developed by WPMU DEV, a popular all-in-one WordPress platform. The vulnerability allows an unauthorized control sphere—meaning an attacker without proper authentication—to retrieve embedded sensitive system information from affected WordPress sites running Hustle versions up to 7.8.9.2. The nature of the exposed data is not explicitly detailed but is described as sensitive system information, which could include configuration details, credentials, or other confidential data embedded within the plugin or its environment. Such information leakage can facilitate further targeted attacks, including privilege escalation, lateral movement, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability was reserved and published in early 2026, with no CVSS score assigned yet and no known exploits reported in the wild. The lack of authentication requirement lowers the barrier for exploitation, making it accessible to remote attackers without prior access. The plugin’s widespread use in WordPress environments increases the potential attack surface. The absence of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for immediate risk mitigation and monitoring. This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, which primarily impacts confidentiality but can indirectly affect integrity and availability if leveraged in chained attacks.

For European organizations, the exposure of sensitive system information through this vulnerability can lead to significant confidentiality breaches, potentially revealing internal configurations, credentials, or other critical data. This leakage can enable attackers to craft more effective attacks, including targeted phishing, privilege escalation, or deployment of malware. Organizations relying on WordPress sites with the Hustle plugin for marketing, customer engagement, or internal communications may face reputational damage and regulatory consequences under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is compromised. The ease of exploitation without authentication increases the risk of widespread scanning and automated attacks. Additionally, the exposure may facilitate lateral movement within networks if attackers gain insights into system architecture or credentials. The impact extends beyond individual sites to interconnected systems and services, potentially disrupting business operations and causing financial losses. Given the plugin’s role in user interaction and marketing, exploitation could also lead to manipulation of user-facing content or unauthorized data collection, further compounding risks.

Organizations should immediately inventory their WordPress installations to identify the presence and version of the Hustle plugin. Until an official patch is released, restrict access to the plugin’s endpoints by implementing web application firewall (WAF) rules that block unauthorized requests targeting Hustle-specific URLs or parameters. Employ strict access controls and IP whitelisting for administrative interfaces. Monitor web server logs for unusual or repeated access attempts to the plugin’s resources, indicating potential exploitation attempts. Consider temporarily disabling the Hustle plugin if it is not critical to operations. Ensure that all WordPress core and plugins are kept up to date once patches become available. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans focusing on WordPress environments. Educate site administrators about the risks and signs of exploitation related to this vulnerability. Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of any potential breach originating from web-facing systems. Finally, prepare incident response plans tailored to WordPress-related breaches to enable rapid containment and remediation.