What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Slider Responsive Slideshow – Image slider, Gallery slideshow plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.8 via deserialization of untrusted input to the awl_slider_responsive_shortcode function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. No known POP chain is present in the vulnerable plugin. 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.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
The Responsive Slideshow WordPress plugin through version 1.3.8 deserializes untrusted data without validation, allowing an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the site. An attacker with low-level access (such as a contributor or subscriber) can exploit this to gain full control of the WordPress installation. This vulnerability requires an authenticated user but no additional user interaction.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Run arbitrary PHP code on the site and take full control of WordPress.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Complete compromise of the WordPress site; attacker can modify content, steal data, or install malware.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a low-level WordPress account (contributor, subscriber, or similar).
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
March 1, 2024
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
