WordPress, a widely used content management system that powers millions of websites around the world, has become a source of concern following the discovery of a so-called zero-day vulnerability. This zero-day WordPress exploit, capable of compromising websites, has sparked concerns about widespread security vulnerabilities among website owners and cybersecurity professionals.
According to a post on the Dark Web, a malicious actor announced the sale of a purported WordPress zero-day exploit compromising approximately 110,000 websites. Priced at $10,000, the alleged exploit would allow the attacker to upload a file to affected websites, potentially granting unauthorized access and control.
Description of the WordPress Zero-day exploit
THE messagecirculated on Dark Web forums, touts the exploit’s capabilities, describing it as an “Autoshell” capable of executing arbitrary PHP files on vulnerable WordPress installations.
The seller claims that the exploit will produce a list of compromised website URLs, offering it at a negotiable price, while insisting only on cryptocurrency payments.
This revelation follows a similar incident in February 2024, in which an anonymous threat actor announced the selling WordPress admin authentication bypass exploit for $100,000.
The previous exploit, which was reportedly tested on WordPress versions ranging from WP6.3 to WP6.4.3, highlighted the growing sophistication of cyber threats targeting popular content management systems.
The Cyber Express contacted WordPress to verify the reported Zero-Day Vulnerabilityawaiting confirmation, casting uncertainty over claims made on the dark web.
WordPress Concerns and Analysis
Following these developments, cybersecurity researchers have expressed concern about the possible impact of such attacks on the security ecosystem. MalwareBytes Labs, in particular, has discovered cases of WordPress sites infected with ad fraud pluginslike the famous WordPress Fuser master plugin.
These plugins, although seemingly designed to increase website traffic through legitimate means, have been exploited by cybercriminals to engage in fraudulent activities. By automatically generating fake traffic and interactions, these plugins deceive advertisers and inflate website statistics, posing a significant threat to the integrity of online advertising ecosystems.
The discovery of the backdoor WordPress sites highlights the need for increased vigilance and a proactive approach cybersecurity measures among website owners and administrators. As cyber threats evolve at an unprecedented pace, organizations must stay on top of new threats. vulnerabilities and implement enhanced security protocols to protect their digital assets.
In response to these developments, cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of regular security audits, software updates, and vigilant monitoring of website activity. In addition, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and education is essential to mitigate the risks posed by evolving cyber threats.
As the digital world continues to evolve, Dark Web remains a fertile ground for cybercriminal activity, with malicious actors leveraging sophisticated exploits to exploit vulnerabilities in popular platforms like WordPress.
Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only and users take full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or consequences of the use of this information.