Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Real Testimonials

Executive Summary

This vulnerability affects the WordPress Real Testimonials Plugin, versions 3.1.15 and below. It is a PHP Object Injection flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious objects during the deserialization process of untrusted data.

Exploiting this vulnerability could enable attackers to execute code injection, SQL injection, path traversal, or cause denial of service if a suitable POP (Property Oriented Programming) chain exists.

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Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to severe impacts including unauthorized code execution, database compromise through SQL injection, unauthorized file access via path traversal, or service disruption through denial of service attacks.

Because of these impacts, attackers may use this vulnerability in large-scale campaigns targeting many websites using the vulnerable plugin.

Users of the affected plugin are strongly advised to update to version 3.1.16 or seek help from their hosting provider or developer to mitigate these risks.

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Detection Guidance

Detection of this vulnerability involves identifying if the WordPress Real Testimonials Plugin version 3.1.15 or below is installed on your system.

You can check the plugin version by running commands to list installed WordPress plugins and their versions.

• Use WP-CLI command: wp plugin list | grep real-testimonials
• Alternatively, check the plugin version in the WordPress admin dashboard under Plugins.

Network detection of exploitation attempts may require monitoring for unusual PHP object injection patterns or suspicious requests targeting the plugin, but specific commands or signatures are not provided.

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Mitigation Strategies

The immediate mitigation step is to update the Real Testimonials plugin to version 3.1.16 or later, where the vulnerability is patched.

If updating immediately is not possible, users should seek assistance from their hosting provider or developer to apply necessary fixes or workarounds.

Patchstack users can enable auto-updates for vulnerable plugins to ensure timely patching.

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