CVE-2024-9314·PHP vulnerability
The Rank Math SEO – AI SEO Tools to Dominate SEO Rankings plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.228 via deserialization of untrusted input 'set_redirections' function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. No known POP chain is present in the vulnerable software. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it could allow the attacker to delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- PHP
- Fixed in
- 1.0.229
- Published
- 2024-10-05
Affected versions
Until: 1.0.229
Fixed in: 1.0.229
How to fix this CVE
Update the Rank Math SEO plugin to version 1.0.229 or later, which patches the PHP Object Injection vulnerability in the deserialization routine. While the vulnerability requires administrator-level access, it can lead to arbitrary file deletion, data exfiltration, or code execution if gadget chains are available through other installed plugins or themes. Immediately audit your WordPress installation for suspicious plugin combinations and review admin activity logs for unauthorized object serialization attempts.
sudo dnf update php php-common php-cliDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check installed Rank Math SEO plugin version: grep -r 'Version:' /path/to/wordpress/wp-content/plugins/seo-by-rank-math/ | head -1
- Verify PHP version with: php -v
- Search WordPress admin logs for 'set_redirections' function calls or import/export activity: grep -i 'set_redirections\|import.*export' /path/to/wordpress/wp-content/debug.log
- Confirm plugin patch by checking the plugin file timestamp and version tag: ls -la /path/to/wordpress/wp-content/plugins/seo-by-rank-math/ && grep -A 5 'Version' /path/to/wordpress/wp-content/plugins/seo-by-rank-math/rank-math.php
FAQ
What is CVE-2024-9314?
CVE-2024-9314 is a PHP Object Injection vulnerability in the Rank Math SEO WordPress plugin that allows authenticated administrators to deserialize untrusted data through the 'set_redirections' function, potentially enabling arbitrary file manipulation or code execution if additional vulnerable gadget chains exist on the server.
Is CVE-2024-9314 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2024-9314 is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog and has no publicly available exploit code at this time.
What versions of the Rank Math SEO plugin are affected by CVE-2024-9314?
All versions up to and including 1.0.228 are vulnerable. Version 1.0.229 and later contain the fix.
How do I check if my WordPress site is vulnerable to CVE-2024-9314?
Log into your WordPress admin panel, navigate to Plugins, find 'Rank Math SEO', and check the version number. If it is 1.0.228 or lower, update immediately. You can also run: grep 'Version:' /path/to/wp-content/plugins/seo-by-rank-math/rank-math.php
Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-9314?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Rank Math SEO plugin is installed on a monitored WordPress server, CVE-2024-9314 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related PHP CVEs
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/seo-by-rank-math/trunk/includes/admin/class-import-export.php#L507
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/seo-by-rank-math/trunk/includes/admin/class-import-export.php#L514
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3161896/
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/af5ed47e-f183-4e72-a916-15020e2bc91e?source=cve
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