Threat Advisory

Hackers Exploit Modern Events Calendar Plugin Vulnerability on WordPress Sites

Threat: Vulnerability
Targeted Region: Global
Targeted Sector: Technology & IT
Criticality: High
[subscribe_to_unlock_form]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Hackers are actively exploiting a high-severity vulnerability CVE-2024-5441 in the Modern Events Calendar WordPress plugin, used by over 150,000 websites to manage events. This vulnerability allows arbitrary file uploads and remote code execution, posing a risk of complete website takeover. The security flaw arises from insufficient file type validation in the plugin’s 'set_featured_image' function, which can be exploited by any authenticated user, including subscribers and registered members. If the plugin permits event submissions from non-members, it is exploitable without authentication. To mitigate this threat, users should immediately disable the plugin until the update is performed, as attackers are already leveraging this issue. It should monitor for any signs of unauthorized file uploads or unusual activity on their sites.[/subscribe_to_unlock_form]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Hackers are actively exploiting a high-severity vulnerability CVE-2024-5441 in the Modern Events Calendar WordPress plugin, used by over 150,000 websites to manage events. This vulnerability allows arbitrary file uploads and remote code execution, posing a risk of complete website takeover. The security flaw arises from insufficient file type validation in the plugin’s 'set_featured_image' function, which can be exploited by any authenticated user, including subscribers and registered members. If the plugin permits event submissions from non-members, it is exploitable without authentication. To mitigate this threat, users should immediately disable the plugin until the update is performed, as attackers are already leveraging this issue. It should monitor for any signs of unauthorized file uploads or unusual activity on their sites.[emaillocker id="1283"]

RECOMMENDATION:

  • We strongly recommend you update Modern Events Calendar WordPress Plugin to version 7.12.0.

REFERENCES:

The following reports contain further technical details:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-target-wordpress-calendar-plugin-used-by-150-000-sites/

[/emaillocker]
crossmenu